Arguments for the existence of God - OBSERVATION

Question 1

A posteriori

Answer 1

An argument based on sense experience and observations of evidence

Question 2

Teleological Argument

Answer 2

An argument for the existence of God starting with observed Design or telos

Question 3

Cosmological Argument

Answer 3

An argument for the existence of God starting with observations from existence of the universe

Question 4

Infinite Regress

Answer 4

a chain of events going backwards forever

Question 5

Aquinas’ Three Ways

Answer 5

Way One – Motion; Way Two – Cause; Way Three – necessity and contingency

Question 6

Contingent

Answer 6

Depends on something else for its existence; can cease to exist

Question 7

Necessary

Answer 7

Must exist, cannot not exist. Holds the reason for its being within itself

Question 8

Design qua purpose

Answer 8

Design “as relating to” purpose

Question 9

Design qua regularity

Answer 9

Design “as relating to” the regular cycles and natural laws of the world

Question 10

Evolution/ Natural Selection

Answer 10

The process in nature where the organisms best adapted to their environment survive and pass on their genetic characteristics while those less adapted tend to be eliminated.

Question 11

Epicurean Hypothesis

Answer 11

given infinite time, an infinite number of particles could produce order

Question 12

Fallacy of Composition

Answer 12

what is observed about the parts cannot be assumed to be the same for the whole.