Glossary - Arguments based on Observation

Teleological

Looking to the end (telos) in order to draw a conclusion about what is right or wrong

Cosmological

To do with the universe

Natural Theology

Drawing conclusions about the nature and activity of God by using reason and observing the world

Contingent

Depending on other things

Principle of Sufficient Reason

The principle that everything must have a reason to explain it

Sceptic

Someone who will not accept what others say without questioning and challenging

A Posteriori Arguments

Arguments which draw conclusions based on observation through experience

Necessary Experience

Existence which does not depend on anything else

A Priori Arguments

Arguments which draw conclusions through the use of reason

Logical Fallacy

Reasoning that has a flaw in its structure