Thomas Aquinas' Fifth way

Question 1

what is Aquinas’ fifth way?

Answer 1

Beneficial order

Question 2

What did he argue?

Answer 2

for God’s existence by the evidence of beneficial order in the universe - things work towards a purpose

Question 3

this order could not happen by what?

Answer 3

Chance

Question 4

many objects that don’t have intelligence work towards a purpose, what does this mean?

Answer 4

They must be directed by something with intelligence, and therefore God exists as the explanation of this beneficial order

Question 5

Aquinas observed what?

Answer 5

That non-rational beings nevertheless act in a way which leads to the best result
- behavior patterns rarely change and the end result is beneficial, there is a purpose to them and if non-rational beings can work towards a goal something must have directed them to do so as natural law/design

Question 6

what are natural bodies?

Answer 6

The sun, moon and stars

• the sun is not an intelligent being however it knows to give us light and heat
• therefore the sun must be directed by an intelligent being
• Aquinas said this was God