Philosophy & Ethics - The Cosmological Argument

Question 1

Aquinas’ 3 ways: What is the first way?

Answer 1

The first way: Motion
premise one= Certain and evident to our senses (the world is always in motion)
p2= whatever is in motion is put in motion by another
p3= only that which is actualised can cause motion from potentiality to actuality in other things
Aquinas’ eg. fire & wood
p4= A thing cannot be both potential and actual at the same time
c1= Therefore, whatever is in motion is put in motion by another
p5= There cannot be infinite regression
c2= There must be a first unmoved mover
c3= The first unmoved mover is God

Question 2

Aquinas’ 3 ways: What is the second way?

Answer 2

The second way= cause
p1= we can observe cause and effect
p2= it is impossible for something to cause itself as it would have to exist prior to itself
p3= there cannot be infinite regression, because without a first cause there is not effect
c1= there must be a first efficient cause ( an uncaused causer)
c2= the uncaused causer is God

Question 3

Aquinas’ 3 ways: What is the third way?

Answer 3

The third way= possibility and necessity (contingency)
p1= everything is either contingent or necessary
p2= if everything is contingent, at one point in time, nothing would have existed
p3= if that were true, then nothing would now exist as something cannot come from nothing
p4= but we know there is something
c1= all contingent things therefore depend on something necessary
p5= there cannot be infinite regression
c2= there must be something which is independently necessary (self causing)
c3= this necessary being is God

Question 4

The cosmological argument: Russell vs Copleston// What principle did Leibniz come up with?

Answer 4

Leibniz came up with the principle of sufficient reason.
“ no fact could ever be true… unless there was a sufficient reason why it was… “

Question 5

What is Copelstons’ argument?

Answer 5

• The universe is made up of contingent things (things that depend on something else for existence)
  -There must be a necessary being that explains why the universe exists
  -Without God, there would be no explanation for why there is something rather than nothing

Question 6

What is Russell’s response to a Copleston?

Answer 6

-Russell challenges the need for a sufficient reason, he asks, “What do you mean sufficient reason, Do you mean cause?”
-He argues that not everything needs an explanation- some things, like the universe, might just exist without reason
-He compares Copleston’s argument to something that cannot be found
-He is saying that it is not possible to reach a “sufficient reason” for the universe
-Based on his empirical/agnostic state
-“I should say that the universe is just there and that is all”

Question 7

What are 2 strengths of the Teleological argument?

Answer 7

-Simple-straightforward, in the way that it is set out (Swinburne)
-Logical

Question 8

What are 2 critisms of the teleological argument?

Answer 8

-Issue with the uncaused causer- if all things need a cause, why does God not?, why couldn’t the universe be necessary?
-science-Big Bang; steady state theory\