Philosophy of Religions

Cosmological Argument P1

Each of the many beings that exists is either dependent or self existent

Cosmological Argument P2

It cannot be that every being is dependent

Cosmological Argument C

A self-existent being exists

Cosmological Argument P2 defense standard

Each sequence of dependency needs a beginning, so there must be a self-existent being

Cosmological Argument P2 standard defense objections

Not all sequences have beginnings, ex. numbers are independent. Or maybe reality doesn’t make sense

Cosmological Argument P2 Rowe’s defense

Principal of sufficient reason - There has to be an explanation: 1. The existence of any beings 2. The truth of any positive fact

Hume Edwards principal

Explaining the parts explains the whole. However, this argument falls short. Cannon ball example, you can explain each position relative to the last, but that still doesn’t explain why the cannon ball was fired.

The Theological Argument (Design Argument) P1

The universe exhibits superb mechanical organizations at every scale of space and time.

The Theological Argument (Design Argument) P2

The only possible way for the universe to be that well organized is for it to have been intelligently designed.

The Theological Argument (Design Argument) C1

The universe was intelligently designed.

The Theological Argument (Design Argument) P3

If it was intelligently designed, then it was designed by God.

The Theological Argument (Design Argument) C2

God designed the universe.

The Theological Argument (Design Argument) Invalidity

Could chaos lead to organization? Is P2 the best explanation? Are best explanations always the best?

The Theological Argument (Design Argument) Objection 1

Not all of the orderliness is due to a mind.

Explanatory Virtues

Simplicity, understandability, comprehensiveness

Potential explanations for The Theological Argument (Design Argument) P1

Intelligent design, chance/chaos, or laws of nature and initial conditions

The Theological Argument (Design Argument) P3 Critique

Hume says like effects have like causes. This leads to the fact that creation is flawed, does this mean that the creator is flawed too? Was the earth designed by a team? Designers have bodies. The mind of a designer is finite

Valid argument

An argument is valid if and only if it is impossible for the conclusion to be false while the premises are true.

If the conclusion can be false while the premises are true, then the argument is invalid

Sound Argument

Valid and has all true premises

What are the attributes of God?

Omniscient, Omnipotent, Wholly Good, Creator of All Else, Self-sufficient