The cosmological argument Flashcards
What type of knowledge is used
posteriori and inductive reasoning
Who put forward this theological argument
St Thomas Aquinas
What is aquinas’ first way
“whatever is moved is moved by another”
What is aquinas’ second way
Similar to first. Something needs to cause it as it cannot cause itself. Must have first cause
What is aquinas’ 3rd cause
Focuses on how contingent beings exist rather than why they do. “There must exist the existence of something necessary”.
What are the weaknesses of cosmological argument
Uses inductive reasoning less effective than deductive reasoning.
Only 1 possible conclusion.
Evalution of criticism
Oakham’s razor- The most effective form of philosophical inquiry is the simplest.
Key phrase for Aquinas’ 1st way
From motion
Key phrase for Aquinas’ 2nd way
From cause
Key phrase for Aquinas’ 3rd way
Contingency
Flaw of 1st/2nd way
Based on premise that information reg= possible> entirely possible though mathematical can always increase/decrease a number dramatically reduces strength of arg bc entire arg based on assumption.
Flaw of 3rd way
Mackie in miracle
