A Critical Study on Boethius and Pike's Viewpoints of Divine Knowledge and Human Authority

This study has been conducted to demonstrate the compatibility or incompatibility of Divine prior knowledge and human authority in Boethius and Nelson Pikes’ viewpoints. In this regard, initially, it was attempted to formulate an argument for incompatibility of God’s prior knowledge and human authority, considering the required features for God’s prior knowledge from Boethius and Pike’s viewpoints and finally it was concluded that based upon the accepted regulations of Islamic philosophy from Boethius’ viewpoint, the conflict between divine knowledge and human authority refers to one`s misconception on God. However, because of mingled natural necessity and necessity by the other, compatibility of Divine knowledge and human authority cannot be proved. Finally, it is concluded that the best possible solution for removing the incompatibility between Divine prior knowledge and human authority is Shiite scholars’ viewpoint which is known as “the one in a middle state to the two extremes”.