The Nature of Monotheism: A Philosophical Explication

This article develops a philosophical explication of monotheism through fundamentality, using Rudolf Carnap's method of explication and Karen Bennett's concept of building-fundamentality. By examining how contemporary philosophers and theologians have struggled with defining monotheism in light of Second Temple Judaism's complex theology, this article argues that understanding monotheism as the belief in one fundamental deity provides a more philosophically robust framework than numerical definitions. This framework helps reconcile divine plurality in Jewish theology while offering new perspectives on polytheistic traditions and interfaith debates, thus contributing to broader discussions in philosophy of religion and theology.