Cosmological Argument Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the cosmological argument lecture, including Aquinas’ first three ways, a posteriori vs a priori, PSR, fallacies, and common critiques.

Cosmological argument

An empirical, a posteriori argument for God’s existence claiming the universe’s existence requires a sufficient reason or cause (often via Aquinas’ first three ways: motion, causation, contingency/necessity).

A posteriori

Knowledge or argumentation based on sensory experience and observation, leading to probabilistic conclusions rather than absolute certainty.

A priori

Knowledge or arguments derived from reason alone, prior to experience; contrasts with empirical methods (e.g., Anselm’s ontological argument).

Empirical method

Gaining knowledge through observation and sensory experience; underpins a posteriori arguments.

Contingent being

A being that could have not existed; its existence depends on something else.

Necessary being

A being whose existence is required and does not depend on anything else.

Unmoved mover

Aquinas’ first mover that initiates motion without itself being moved; identified with God.

Uncaused causer

The first cause that is not itself caused; posited as God in Aquinas’ second way.

Motion (in Aquinas’ argument)

Change or movement observable in the world, interpreted as implying a prior mover; leads to the idea of a first unmoved mover.

Causation (in Aquinas’ argument)

The chain of causes cannot regress infinitely; there must be a first uncaused cause (God).

Principle of sufficient reason (PSR)

The idea that everything must have a reason or explanation for its existence or state of affairs (Leibniz).

Brute fact

A fact that has no explanation; Russell argues the universe may be a brute fact, challenging PSR.

Fallacy of composition

Assuming what is true of the parts is true of the whole; a common critique of cosmological reasoning.

Transcendent Creator

The claim that the first cause is God, a being beyond and independent from the universe.

Big Bang as alternative sufficient reason

Scientific account suggesting a natural origin of the universe that could serve as a non-theistic sufficient reason for existence.

Anselm’s ontological argument

A priori argument for God’s existence based on the concept of God as a necessary being.

Aristotle’s why (causation)

Idea that understanding a thing requires grasping its cause; foundational to arguments about why there is something rather than nothing.

Five Ways (Aquinas)

Aquinas’ five arguments for God’s existence; the cosmological focus is on the first three: motion, causation, and contingency/necessity.

Transcendent vs immanent God (contextual relevance)

Discussion about whether the first cause is a transcendent deity (as in cosmological arguments) or could be the universe itself.

Ontological vs Cosmological argument

Ontology/ontological argument (a priori) seeks God’s existence from the concept of God; cosmological argument (a posteriori) infers God from existence and causation of the universe.