Quiz 1 Perspective

What is Augustine's view of God's nature in the Confessions?,

Augustine evolves from viewing God as a material being to understanding God as immaterial, infinite, and immutable.

How does Augustine explain the existence of evil?,

Evil is not a substance but a privation, meaning it is a lack of good.

What does Augustine argue about time in his Confessions?,

Time is a characteristic of change and exists only where change occurs; God is eternal and outside of time.

What does Augustine mean by God creating ex nihilo?,

God created the universe out of nothing, not from pre-existing matter.

What internal struggle does Augustine describe in his conversion?,

The struggle between his old will (sinful desires) and his new will (desire for God).

What key phrase does Augustine hear during his garden scene that prompts his conversion?,

He hears a voice say, 'Take and read'.

What are the Five Ways Aquinas presents to prove God's existence?,

They are: First Way (Motion), Second Way (Efficient Cause), Third Way (Possibility & Necessity), Fourth Way (Gradation of Being), Fifth Way (Design).

In Aquinas' view, is God's existence self-evident?,

No, because humans do not inherently know God’s essence.

What characterizes the Knight of Faith according to Kierkegaard?,

The Knight of Faith can suspend ethical norms for a higher purpose, illustrating a direct relationship with God.

How does Kierkegaard's Knight of Infinite Resignation differ from the Knight of Faith?,

The Knight of Infinite Resignation gives something up without expecting it back, while the Knight of Faith believes he will receive it back by virtue of the absurd.

What paradox does Kierkegaard present in the story of Abraham?,

Abraham loves his son but must sacrifice him due to his absolute duty to God.

What quote from Augustine encapsulates his struggle with the nature of time?,

'What then is time? Provided that no one asks me, I know. If I want to explain it to an inquirer, I do not know.' (Bk XI)