The Cosmological ArgumentThe Cosmological Argument► Aquinas presents the argument in three “ways” but the Aquinas presents the argument in three “ways” but the

argument is a single one.argument is a single one.► First – All things are First – All things are moved moved by something else. The first mover by something else. The first mover

must be God.must be God.► Second – All things are Second – All things are caused caused by something else. The firstby something else. The first

cause must be God.cause must be God.► Third – All things are Third – All things are contingent.contingent. The only non contingent The only non contingent

being that causes all contingent things to be must be God.being that causes all contingent things to be must be God.► This argument says “nothing can come from nothing”. At the This argument says “nothing can come from nothing”. At the

beginning of things there must be a first cause, mover, etc, beginning of things there must be a first cause, mover, etc, which is itself not caused, moved. “All men understand this to which is itself not caused, moved. “All men understand this to be God” (Aquinas)be God” (Aquinas)

► The only alternative is an infinite regress. This is impossible for The only alternative is an infinite regress. This is impossible for if there was no starting point nothing could exist now – but it if there was no starting point nothing could exist now – but it does! So – no infinite regress – must be a first cause – this must does! So – no infinite regress – must be a first cause – this must be God.be God.

Cosmological Argument. Cosmological Argument. Strengths.Strengths.

► Appeals to common sense in that all things are caused by Appeals to common sense in that all things are caused by other things. In all our experience nothing is without a cause.other things. In all our experience nothing is without a cause.

► Infinite regress does seem impossible – how could something Infinite regress does seem impossible – how could something exist now if the process leading up to it literally never started?exist now if the process leading up to it literally never started?

► Argument only “proves” a first cause – not exactly the God of Argument only “proves” a first cause – not exactly the God of monotheism – but a first cause is consistent with God – monotheism – but a first cause is consistent with God – doesn’t contradict idea of God found in monotheistic religions.doesn’t contradict idea of God found in monotheistic religions.

► Why doesn’t God need a cause if everything else does? Why doesn’t God need a cause if everything else does? Because God by nature is spirit, immaterial energy, but a Because God by nature is spirit, immaterial energy, but a universe universe isis material and material seems to need cause where material and material seems to need cause where spirit doesn’t?spirit doesn’t?

► Emotionally and aesthetically appealing because believers Emotionally and aesthetically appealing because believers feel the cosmos to be non accidental and beautiful. Consistent feel the cosmos to be non accidental and beautiful. Consistent with the idea of a created cosmos which monotheism teaches.with the idea of a created cosmos which monotheism teaches.

Cosmological Argument. Cosmological Argument. LimitationsLimitations

► Suggested by some scientists, Niels Bohr, that all things may not Suggested by some scientists, Niels Bohr, that all things may not need a cause. Atomic particles appear to arise without cause.need a cause. Atomic particles appear to arise without cause.

► Some believe an infinite regress possible – but seem unsuccessful Some believe an infinite regress possible – but seem unsuccessful in explaining how this can allow the present to exist.in explaining how this can allow the present to exist.

► Hume and Russell suggest that while things inside the cosmos Hume and Russell suggest that while things inside the cosmos may need a cause, the universe as a whole may not – we don’t may need a cause, the universe as a whole may not – we don’t observe universes starting so don’t know what is normal. But this observe universes starting so don’t know what is normal. But this is merely a suggestion rather than an argument. is merely a suggestion rather than an argument.

► A first cause doesn’t need to be God. A first cause doesn’t need to be God. ► Scientists may suggest that matter & energy are eternal – but this Scientists may suggest that matter & energy are eternal – but this

is the infinite regress again!is the infinite regress again!► If the universe needs a cause so does God otherwise the If the universe needs a cause so does God otherwise the

argument is self conrtadictory.argument is self conrtadictory.

Cosmological Argument. Cosmological Argument. HomeworkHomework

► Imagine you have to set a test on the Cosmological Imagine you have to set a test on the Cosmological Argument.Argument.

► You wish to check on the following:-You wish to check on the following:-1.1. An ability to state the argument clearly.An ability to state the argument clearly.

2.2. An ability to identify the strengths and limitations.An ability to identify the strengths and limitations.

3.3. An ability to analyse & evaluate the strengths and An ability to analyse & evaluate the strengths and limitations.limitations.

4.4. An ability to state a conclusion with supporting comment.An ability to state a conclusion with supporting comment.

► You have a total of 20 marks. You may not ask less You have a total of 20 marks. You may not ask less than three or more than five questions.than three or more than five questions.

► You should also provide a bullet point marking You should also provide a bullet point marking scheme.scheme.