Philosphy 100 Final Exam Notes

Philosophical investigation of God's existence

To determine whether beliefs about God should meet rational standards due to their impact on morality and human destiny.

Philosophical concern of God's existence

Because belief in God shapes metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and meaning.

Aquinas Premise 1 (Explained)

There are things in the world that come into existence and pass out of existence; things are contingent.

Aquinas Premise 1 — Assessment

Defensible due to empirical support; refutable by arguing for quantum spontaneous events.

Aquinas Premise 2 (Explained)

Nothing can be the cause of its own existence; self-causation is logically incoherent.

Aquinas Premise 2 — Assessment

Defensible as self-causation is incoherent; refutable by claiming the universe is eternal.

Aquinas Premise 3 (Explained)

There cannot be an infinite regress of causes without a starting cause.

Aquinas Premise 3 — Assessment

Defensible as infinite regress undermines explanation; refutable by some accepting it as possible.

Aquinas Conclusion

There must be a first uncaused cause, referred to as God.

Weakness of Aquinas’s conclusion

Even if a first cause exists, it may not align with the classical conception of God.

Definition of faith in philosophy

Belief or commitment that transcends strict evidence, often based on authority.

Definition of reason

Human capacity for logical analysis directed at publicly shareable justification.

Central question of faith and reason unit

Should religious beliefs be based on rational evidence or are they independent of reason?

Tertullian’s main idea

Faith requires no rational justification; absurdity can make belief compelling.

Philosophical problem with Tertullian

If absurdity justifies beliefs, then all irrational beliefs could be valid.

Pascal’s Wager

A prudential argument suggesting belief in God is rational due to potential eternal benefits.

Strength of Pascal’s Wager

Applies decision theory, useful even without strong evidence for God.

Weakness of Pascal’s Wager

Faces the 'many gods problem,' complicating decisiveness in religious belief.

Why public evidence for God is seen as necessary

Influences societal decisions and prevents dogmatism.

Why reasoned evidence may not be required for God

Faith deals with supernatural truths beyond empirical methods.

Prudence

The ability to judge the appropriate action at the right time.

Justice

Fairness and moral rightness; giving each person what is due.

Temperance

Moderation of desires and appetites; self-control.

Fortitude

Courage to do good despite fear or difficulty.

Faith (Theological Virtue)

Supernatural trust in God, believing God's revealed truths.

Hope (Theological Virtue)

Confidence in God's promises, particularly regarding salvation.

Charity (Love)

Loving God above all and loving others for God's sake.

Intro – Purpose of the debate

Should belief in God require public rational evidence, and why does it matter?

Section 1 – Why God’s existence matters philosophically

It affects metaphysics, ethics, meaning, and world structure.

Section 2 – Arguments for requiring reason/evidence

Ensures justification for beliefs with public consequences and prevents irrationality.

Section 3 – Arguments against requiring evidence

Faith can transcend reason; the relationship with God is highly personal.

Section 4 – Aquinas’s First Cause Argument

Examine and evaluate each premise, distinguishing a cause from a personal God.

Section 5 – Pascal’s Wager

Justified by prudence rather than evidence, including its strengths and weaknesses.

Section 6 – Tertullian

Faith as independent from rational proof; challenges the philosophical method.

Conclusion

Position on whether philosophy must examine evidence for God or if faith stands independently from reason.

Free will vs Determinism

debate whether human actions are determine external factors OR f individuals possess the ability to choose freely