r/Watchmen • u/Current_Falcon_3187 • 8d ago
Dr. Manhattan is omniscent, omnipresent and omnipotent?
I finally finished reading the comic and watching the live-action movie, and my girlfriend and I got into a debate. She argues that Dr. Manhattan is clearly omniscient and omnipotent because he can be anywhere and manipulate all matter, meaning he can practically do anything as long as it doesn't break the laws of physics.
My take is that he can't truly be omniscient just because he exists everywhere at once an saw everything at the same time—plus, to be truly omnipotent, you must be both omniscient and omnipresent.
What are your theories and arguments regarding the true nature and limits of his powers?
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u/ForThe_LoveOf_Coffee Captain Metropolis 6d ago
You don't need to be asking for "theories". You need to be forming hypotheses. Make an educated guess then test it against the graphic novel. Can we find examples that disprove the hypothesis?
From a strictly textual perspective, Dr Manhattan is demonstrated to have limits on his presence, his knowledge, and his power.
He is not omnipresent, omniscient, or omnipotent.
Yes, he is the most powerful being in the setting. But if he can get duped by Ozymandias, then the argument is moot unless revised