Philosophy of Religion and Cosmic Purpose

A set of vocabulary flashcards aimed at summarizing key terms and concepts from the lecture on the philosophy of religion and the exploration of cosmic purpose.

Metaphysics

A branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including concepts such as being, existence, and the universe.

Dichotomy

A division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

Omni-God

A concept of God that embodies all three attributes of being all-knowing, all-powerful, and perfectly good.

Fine-tuning

The delicate balance of the laws and constants of physics that allow for the existence of life; suggests a purposeful design.

Cosmic purpose

The idea that there may be a fundamental goal-directedness in the universe towards the emergence of life.

Anthropic principle

The philosophical consideration that observations of the universe must be compatible with the conscious life that observes it.

Teleological laws

Laws of nature that are said to have goals or purposes built into them, suggesting a directionality in the development of the universe.

Cosmopsychism

The theory that the universe itself might be a conscious mind with its own goals, rather than being governed by a traditional deity.

Total evidence requirement

A principle in probabilistic reasoning advising that we should always use the most specific evidence available to us.

Causal complexity

The notion that an outcome could arise from many interrelated causes, making it difficult to attribute purpose or meaning to a singular event.

Secular atheism

A worldview that lacks belief in a deity and emphasizes human values and scientific understanding without religious influence.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that advocates for actions that promote the greatest happiness or benefit for the greatest number.

Moral progress

The idea that societies can advance in terms of morality, often leading to new understandings of rights and ethical considerations.

Suffering

A state of experiencing pain, distress, or hardship; often used in discussions of theodicy regarding the existence of evil in relation to a benevolent God.

Evil-god hypothesis

A theoretical exploration positing that if a God exists, it could be malevolent, and thus brings about suffering and evil.