PHI 2010 Exam 1 Study Guide Definitions UCF Barker

Argument

a series of statements or claims, some of which are offered as logical support for the others.

Valid argument

it is impossible for all the premises to be true and for the conclusion to be false. (if premises are true, conclusion would also be true)

Sound argument

an argument that is both logically valid and has true premises.

Efficient cause

that which causes a being to exist (ex. a carpenter makes a chair)

First cause

a being that is the efficient cause of everything else and has no efficient cause itself.

Infinite causal series

a linear series of efficient causes in which every being is caused by some prior being in the series.

Question-begging

an argument whose premise(s) inappropriately assume its conclusion.

Contingent being

a being that exists, but possibly does not exist OR a being that exists, but didn't have to.

Necessary being

a being that exists and does not possibly not exist.

Dependent being

caused to exist by something outside of itself.

Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR)

every contingent being has a cause outside of itself / every contingent being is dependent.

Collection C

the complete collection of all contingent beings there are, ever were, or ever will be.

Evil

any pain or suffering (the harm done). Moral and Natural Evil.

Classical theism

God exists and is omnibenevolent, omnipotent, and omniscient.

Omnibenevolence

perfect goodness

Omnipotence

the ability to do anything / all powerful

Omniscience

knowledge of every truth / perfect knowledge

Evil that can be eliminated without doing further damage

an evil that can be eliminated without either causing more evil or eliminating an equal or greater good.

Omnipotence 2.0

the ability to do anything within logic.

Higher-Order Good

a good that cannot exist without the existence of some evil(s). (ex. courage, generosity, compassion, free will)