Aquinas' Cosmological Argument Flashcards
What is an Inductive argument?
an argument where even if the premises are true, the conclusion does not necessarily follow
What does a posteriori mean?
an argument which is formed off of empirical evidence
What is potentiality?
The capability of something/someone to develop or change into something
What is actuality?
The reality and state of being of something in the current moment of time
What word does the cosmological argument derive from?
Cosmos, the argument starts from the existence of the universe and tries to prove from this that God exists.
What is the invulnerable first premise?
the universe exists
What is the efficient cause?
the actual cause the causes something to begin
What is the intermediate cause?
the cause begun by the efficient cause that eventually leads to the final cause
What is the ultimate cause?
the end of the cause
What does contingent mean?
reliant on something else, in this case to exist
What does necessary mean?
cannot not exist
Where does the cosmological argument originate from?
The Summa Theologica
What is Aquinas’ first way called?
The unmoved mover
What is Aquinas’ second way called?
The unchanged changer
What is Aquinas’ third way called?
possibility and necessity
