Ontological arguments

Question 1

Which way?

Answer 1

Aquinas’ fifth way

Question 2

Strenghs of Aquinas’ fifth way?

Answer 2

• there are examples of non thinking beings acting to achieve a purpose e.g a sunflower who faces towards the sun
• arrow needs an archer and therefore is reasonable to assume that things are directed towards a purpose.

Question 3

Weaknesses of Aquinas’ fifth way?

Answer 3

• looks like design but has adapted to its environment and would have died out otherwise.
• Aquinas makes the assumption of purpose, purpose could be a human construct
• Aquinas can be accused of a logical fallacy as he makes a leap to a god of classical theism