Arguments For and Against the Existence of God

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts addressed in the lecture on the existence of God, arguments for and against, and perspectives of various philosophers.

Intelligibility

The quality of being understandable or clear, particularly in reference to human existence and the existence of God.

Projection

A psychological phenomenon where individuals attribute their desires or emotions onto an external entity, such as God.

Transcendence

The aspect of God that is beyond the physical universe and human understanding.

Immanence

The presence of God within the world and humanity, contrasting with transcendence.

The Will to Power

A concept in Nietzsche's philosophy that suggests a fundamental driving force in humans to assert and enhance their power.

Opiate of the People

A phrase used by Marx to describe religion as a tool used to pacify and distract the masses from their struggles.

Illusion

In Freud's view, a concept that describes religion as a false belief stemming from childhood insecurities.

Wish Fulfillment

A psychological concept suggesting that individuals create beliefs or desires to satisfy emotional needs, particularly in the context of God as a father figure.

Five Ways

The five arguments proposed by St. Thomas Aquinas to demonstrate the existence of God.

Prime Mover

The initial cause of all motion in the universe, identified by Aquinas as God.

First Cause

The argument stating every effect must have a cause, with God as the first uncaused cause.

Necessary Being

A being that must exist for anything else to exist; Aquinas argues this is God.

Exemplar

A standard of comparison for goodness, with God being identified as the greatest good.

Pascal's Wager

A philosophical argument suggesting it is a safer bet to believe in God than to not believe, given the potential infinite rewards.

Voice of Conscience

Kant’s notion that individuals recognize the existence of God through moral imperatives.

Moral Order

The ethical framework that suggests the necessity of a higher power that embodies moral goodness, according to Kant.

Supernatural Existential

Rahner's concept of an innate orientation toward God embedded within human nature.

Absolute Truth

The concept of truth that is unchanging and universal, often associated with God's nature.

Limitless Love

A description of God that implies an infinite capacity for love and benevolence.

Ethical Commonwealth

Kant’s idea of a community governed by moral laws and the presence of a moral ruler, identified as God.