Topic 3- Philosophy and the existence of god

Question 1

Explain Paley’s design argument for the existence of god

Answer 1

it gives a purpose to the universe
tells us how if it wasnt created than we wouldn’t have walls and buildings and how would life work if we didnt have this

Question 2

Explain some weaknesses of Paleys design argument

Answer 2

-Complexity does not necessarily mean design
-Even if we accept that the world was designed, it cannot be assumed that its designer is God

Question 3

Explain some strengths of Paley’s Design argument

Answer 3

-The argument only comes up with probabilities, meaning there is always new discoveries
-provides detail about evolution
- fits well with the biblical stories of creation

Question 4

Explain the first cause argument for the existence of god

Answer 4

The first cause argument is based around cause and effect.
-The idea is that everything that exists has something that caused it,
-there is nothing in our world that came from nothing.

Question 5

Explain some strengths of the first cause argument

Answer 5

-It starts with something that we can all agree on, that the universe does exist.
-It is supported by some major Christian and Islam thinkers, such as Thomas Aquinas and Al Ghazali.
-It uses scientific principles (the law of cause and effect) to work to God

Question 6

Explain some weaknessess of the first cause argument

Answer 6

-It claims that everything must have a cause, and then says that God doesn’t
-Scientists think the Big Bang (which started the universe) does not need a cause.

Question 7

Explain the problem of evil

Answer 7

this is a problem for christians because as they believe in a loving, powerful and all-knowing God.

Question 8

What does omnipotent mean

Answer 8

all powerful

Question 9

What does omniscient mean

Answer 9

all knowing

Question 10

What does omnibenevolent mean

Answer 10

all loving

Question 11

What is a Buddhist response to the problem of evil

Answer 11

• Buddhists follow teachings that will help to relieve the suffering of others.
  -Karuna is the word for compassion. This is the understanding of, and the desire to help remove harm and suffering from others.

Question 12

What is a muslim response to the problem of evil

Answer 12

Muslims can overcome suffering in their own lives and help to ease the suffering of others by following Allah’s path.

Question 13

Explain ways that science may come into conflict with religion eg evolution

Answer 13

Evidence vs. Miracles …
3. The Big Bang vs. Genesis …
4. Absolutism vs. Skepticism …
5. Significance vs. Insignificance

Question 14

Explain a Buddhist view on the relationship between religion and science

Answer 14

they believe it is like two separate and unrelated spheres