Key Terms on the Existence of God based on Observation (Philosophy) Flashcards
What is ‘A posteriori’
an argument based on sense of experience and observations of evidence
What is ‘Teleological Argument’
An argument for the existence of God, starting with observed design or telos
What is ‘Cosmological Argument’
an argument for the existence of God starting with observations from existence of the universe
What is ‘Infinite Regress’
a chain of events going backwards forever
What is ‘Aquinas’ Three Ways’
Way one: Motion
Way two: Cause
Way three: necessity and contingency
What is ‘Necessary’
must exist, cannot not exist. holds the reason for its being within itself
What is ‘Contingent’
depends on something else for its existence; can cease to exist
What is ‘Design qua purpose’
design “as relating to” purpose
What is ‘Design qua regularity’
design “as relating to” the regular cycles and natural laws of the world
What is ‘Evolution/Natural selection’
the process in nature where the organisms best adapted to their environment survive and pass on their genetic characteristics whilst those less adapted tend to be eliminated
What is ‘Epicurean Hypothesis’
given infinite time, an infinite number of particles could produce order
What is ‘Fallacy of Composition’
what is observed about the parts cannot be assumed to be the same for the whole
