Cosmological Argument

Question 1

Aquinas - First Way

Answer 1

Motion or change.
When we observe the universe things tend to be in a state of motion or change, however things cannot be moved by their own accord and instead they are moved by an ‘efficient cause’ from a state of ‘potentiality’ to ‘actuality’.

Question 2

Aquinas - Second Way

Answer 2

Cause and effect.
Everything observable in nature is subject to this law and the idea that this can be traced back is impossible. Aquinas believed the ‘efficient cause’ was the first which led on to the ‘intermediate cause’ and then onto the ‘ultimate cause’ which would not have been caused without the ‘efficient cause’ i.e. God

Question 3

Aquinas - Third Way

Answer 3

Contingency and necessity.
Everything in the universe has the possibility of not existing meaning they are contingent and if this were true nothing would have ever come into existence. This is because in order for contingent beings to exist there has to be a non-contingent. God

Question 4

William Lane Craig - Kalam cosmological Argument

Answer 4

1. Everything that begins to exist has a cause
2. The universe began to exist
3. The universe has a cause of existence
4. The cause must be personal as science can offer no explanation in physical laws
5. An actual infinite cannot exist
6. A beginningless temporal series of events is an infinite
7. A beginningless temporal series of events cannot exist
   Potential infinite confirms the universe has a beginning