Cosmological argument
In the philosophy of religion, a Cosmological argument is an argument for the existence of God based upon observational and factual statements concerning the universe (or some general category of its natural contents) typically in the context of causation, change, contingency or finitude. In referring to reason and observation alone for its premises, and precluding revelation, this category of argument falls within the domain of natural theology. A cosmological argument can also sometimes be referred to as an argument from universal causation, an argument from first cause, the causal argument or the prime mover argument.
The concept of causation is a principal underpinning idea in all cosmological arguments, particularly in affirming the necessity for a First Cause. The latter is typically determined in philosophical analysis to be God, as identified within classical conceptions of theism.
The origins of the argument date back to at least Aristotle, developed subsequently within the scholarly traditions of Neoplatonism and early Christianity, and later under medieval Islamic scholasticism through the 9th to 12th centuries. It would eventually be re-introduced to Christian theology in the 13th century by Thomas Aquinas. In the 18th century, it would become associated with the principle of sufficient reason formulated by Gottfried Leibniz and Samuel Clarke, itself an exposition of the Parmenidean causal principle that “nothing comes from nothing”.
Contemporary defenders of cosmological arguments include William Lane Craig, Robert Koons, John Lennox, Stephen Meyer, and Alexander Pruss.
The First Cause is a philosophical and theological concept referring to the original, uncaused entity that initiated every chain of cause and effect, ultimately leading to the existence of everything else in the universe. The idea originates from ancient Greek thinkers like Aristotle, who proposed an “unmoved mover,” and was later developed by medieval theologians like Thomas Aquinas. This concept is central to arguments for God’s existence, suggesting the universe needs a cause outside of itself that is timeless, spaceless, and immaterial to have a beginning.
The Argument from Causality
- Chain of Causes: The argument begins with the observable fact that everything in the universe has a cause. [2, 4]
- Infinite Regress: This creates a chain of causes stretching back in time, such as a parent being the cause of its child, and so on. [2]
- The Need for a Starting Point: Philosophers argue that this causal chain cannot be infinite; therefore, there must be a starting point. [2, 4, 6, 7]
- The First Cause: This uncaused entity is the “First Cause” that initiated all other causes and effects. [3]
Aristotle’s Unmoved Mover [2, 8]
- Aristotle identified the First Cause as an “Unmoved Mover” that itself is unmoving but causes all motion and change in the universe.
- He associated this unmoved mover with perfection and God, as its purpose was to inspire the heavens to move.
Thomas Aquinas’s Formulation [9]
- Influenced by Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas further developed the argument, proposing that a first cause is necessary for the existence of the whole series of observable causes. [4]
- His Cosmological Argument asserts that the universe, a collection of dependent beings, must depend on a non-dependent, necessarily existent being, which is God. [10]
Modern Interpretations
- Modern proponents argue that scientific discoveries, such as cosmic background radiation and the expansion of the universe, support the idea that the universe had a beginning. [5]
- If the universe had a beginning, it requires a first cause. This cause must be spaceless, timeless, and immaterial, attributes often associated with God. [5, 6]
Key Characteristics of a First Cause
- Uncaused: The First Cause is not an effect of anything else. [3, 6]
- Timeless and Spaceless: If it created time and space, it must exist outside of them. [5, 6]
- Immaterial: It is not a physical entity. [5, 6]
- Powerful: It has the power to bring the universe into existence. [5]
- Intelligent: The order and intelligence seen in the universe suggest the cause is also intelligent. [5, 11]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://brainly.ph/question/20533366
[2] https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/First_Cause
[3] https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/first-and-primary-cause
[4] https://www.britannica.com/topic/first-cause
[5] https://convincingproof.org/first-cause-argument/
[8] https://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/aristotle/idea-unmoved-mover/
[9] wikipedia/en/Cosmological_argument
[10] https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-refute-Aquinas-first-cause-argument-for-Gods-existence
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