philosophy - the cosmological argument

Question 1

inductive reasoning

Answer 1

a form of reasoning, or way of arriving at conclusions, based on our use of senses, observations and experiences

Question 2

a posteriori

Answer 2

an argument based on inductive reasoning, where knowledge is gained after or with experience

Question 3

motion

Answer 3

change; movement from one state of being to another

Question 4

causation

Answer 4

the principle that every effect has a cause; there are explanations or reasons behind events that take place

Question 5

contingency

Answer 5

existence which has a start and an end, where existence is dependent upon other factors to be sustained

Question 6

necessary existence

Answer 6

existence which has no beginning and no end, where existence is independent of all other factors.

Question 7

infinite regress

Answer 7

a sequence of reasoning or justification which can never come to an end

Question 8

cosmos

Answer 8

a greek term meaning ‘universe’

Question 9

principle of sufficient reason

Answer 9

leibniz’s principle that there is a sufficient reason to explain why everything is the way it is; nothing is without a reason

Question 10

summa theologica

Answer 10

the title of one of aquinas’ key texts, where his ‘five ways’ to god can be found. these are aquinas’ arguments for the existence of god