Arguments for God's Existence

Kalam Cosmological Argument

1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause.

2. The universe began to exist.

3. Conclusion: Therefore, the universe has a cause.

Evidence: Big Bang theory; cosmic background radiation; universe expansion.

Fine Tuning Argument

1. The fine-tuning of the universe is due to either physical necessity, chance, or design.

2. It is not due to physical necessity or chance.

3. Conclusion: Therefore, it is due to design.

Evidence: Fine-tuning constants; complexity of life; anthropic principle.
Category: Teleological Argument

Moral Argument

1. If God does not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist.

2. Objective moral values and duties do exist.

3. Conclusion: Therefore, God exists.

Evidence: Universal moral principles; moral experience; ethical intuitions.

Contingency Argument

1. Everything has an explanation: either its own nature or an external cause.

2. The universe is not explained by its own nature.

3. Therefore, the universe has an external cause: God.

Evidence: Principle of sufficient reason; existence of the universe; metaphysical necessity.

Argument from Purpose

1. All things are ordered towards a purpose.

2. Only an intelligent agent can direct things to their purpose.

3. Thus, there is a divine intelligence that direct things to their purpose.

Evidence: Natural order; purposeful behavior in nature and biological systems.
Category: Teleological Argument
Source: St. Thomas Aquinas, Fifth Way

First Cause Argument

1. Every effect has a cause.

2. An infinite regress of causes is impossible.

3. Therefore, there must be the First Cause: God.

Argument from Degrees

1. We observe varying degrees of qualities like goodness and truth.

2. These degrees imply a standard of perfection.

3. The standard of perfection must exist: God.

Evidence: Observation of varying qualities; logical necessity of a benchmark for goodness, etc.