The Cosmological Argument.

Question 1

Cosmological Argument

Answer 1

Arguments for the existence of God based on God’s alleged ability to create the universe. Arguments generally refer to God as the first cause, Prime Mover or explanation.

Question 2

Prime Mover

Answer 2

For Aristotle, that which creates movement as a final purpose, by attraction. For Aquinas, motion includes not just movement in the modern sense but also change of any sort, such as becoming warm or cold.

Question 3

The First Cause

Answer 3

The uncaused beginning of all other beings, initiating all other causes. Posited by Aquinas in the second of his Five Ways. Necessary.

Question 4

Contingency/being contingent.

Answer 4

Something is contingent if its existence is dependent on something else in order to exist.

Question 5

Necessary being.

Answer 5

Something which cannot not exist.

Question 6

Infinite regress.

Answer 6

An endless sequence going backwards through time, without beginning. Aquinas considered this notion to be logically impossible and absurd.

Question 7

Ecumenism

Answer 7

The attempt to bring unity between religious denominations.

Question 8

Sufficient reason

Answer 8

An explanation which requires no further explanation - a final answer. Central to Leibniz’s concept of God.