Philosophy Exam 3 Study Guide: Arguments for God's Existence, Evil, Morality, and Belief

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, philosophical arguments, thinkers, and thought experiments from Philosophy Exam 3 study guide.

Ontological argument

An argument for God's existence based on the concept or definition of God.

Necessary existence

Something that cannot not exist.

Contingent existence

Something that exists but could have not existed.

God (Anselm's definition)

That than which nothing greater can be conceived (the greatest conceivable being).

Cosmological argument

An argument based on the existence, motion, or causes of the universe.

First mover

The original source of motion in Aquinas's cosmological argument.

Teleological argument

An argument based on purpose, order, or design.

Archer example

Aquinas's illustration showing that just as an arrow does not direct itself toward a target but must be directed by an archer, non-intelligent things in nature must be directed toward an end by an intelligent being.

Watchmaker analogy

William Paley's comparison showing that finding a watch with organized parts working toward a purpose indicates a designer, arguing the complexity and organization of the natural world similarly suggest a designer—God.

A posteriori

Based on experience or observation.

Cleanthes

A character in Hume's dialogues who defends the design argument using an a posteriori argument comparing the universe to machines.

Demea

A character in Hume's dialogues who believes God's existence is a matter of plain common sense.

Philo

A character in Hume's dialogues who criticizes the design argument and raises Epicurus's dilemma regarding the problem of evil.

Design argument

The claim that order and complexity in nature point to an intelligent designer.

Epicurus's dilemma

A trilemma introduced by Philo stating: if God is willing to prevent evil but unable, God is not all-powerful; if able but unwilling, God is not all-good; if both able and willing, evil should not exist.

The problem of evil

The philosophical challenge arising from the claim that three propositions cannot all be true together: God is all-powerful, God is all-good, and evil exists.

Subjective values (Nietzsche)

Nietzsche's view rejecting objective values, holding that values are subjective to individuals or relative to cultures, and that without God there is no independent standard or universal 'ought.'

Ethics of belief

The idea that there are moral responsibilities involved in what we choose to believe.

Sufficient evidence

Enough reliable information to reasonably support a belief.

Clifford's principle of belief

The moral rule asserting that it is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.

Ship owner example

Clifford's example illustrating that convincing oneself a ship is safe without sufficient evidence is morally irresponsible because beliefs influence actions and affect other people.