Handout 11- Cosmological Arguments

Question 0

Second Sandbox Cosmological Argument (1,2,3 conj. & 4,5,6 MMP)

Answer 0

1) I exist now.
2) everything that exists has a cause.
3) causes precede their effects.
4) therefore, (1) & (2) & (3).
5) if (1) & (2) & (3), then there was a self-caused first cause.
6) if there was a self-caused first cause, then God exists.
7) therefore, God exists.

Question 1

First Sandbox Cosmological Argument (1,2,3 conj. & 4,5,6 MMP)

Answer 1

1) I exist now
2) everything that exists has a cause
3) Causes precede their effects
4) Therefore, (1) & (2) & (3).
5) If (1) & (2) & (3), then there was an uncaused first cause.
6) If there was an uncaused first cause, then God exists.
7) Therefore, God exists.

Question 2

Contingent thing

Answer 2

X is a contingent thing =df. X exists but it would be possible for x to fail to exist.

Question 3

Non-contingent thing

Answer 3

X is a non-contingent thing =df. X exists and it would be impossible for x to fail to exist.

Question 4

Third Sandbox Cosmological Argument (1,2,3 conj. & 4,5,6 MMP)

Answer 4

1) I exists now and I am a contingent thing.
2) every contingent thing that exists has a cause.
3) causes precede their effects.
4) therefore, (1) & (2) & (3).
5) if (1) & (2) & (3), then there was a non-contingent first cause.
6) if there was a non-contingent first cause, then God exists.
7) therefore, God exists.