cosmological argument

cosmological argument

1. unmoved mover

   • aquinas first way was motion
   • the universe is in motion, something must have set that motion (God)
   • cant have infinite regression of motion. must be a first motion. God is the 'prime mover'

2. un caused causer

   • god is the first causer
   • something cant cause itself
   • Ockam's razor - the simpliest answer is usually the right one

3. necessary being

   • aquinas third way
   • links to contingency
     • we rely on everything around us. the universe must rely on something. that must be god

4. kalam argument

   • made by muslim scholars (Al Ghezali)
   • 1)whatever begins to exist has a cause
     • 2) the universe began to exist
       • 3) therefore the universe has a cause
   • william lane craig
     • potential infinite - add to it
       • actual infinite - set & complete
         • he later added god as the causer

5. advantages

   • big bang theory supports this as it says there was a beginning
   • a posteriori theory so it draws on evidence that we experience
   • solution for universe as well as existence for god

6. weaknesses

   • if god can be necessary then why cant the universe?
   • argument starts with god. supposed to be proved!
   • not everything needs a full explanation