PHI Test #1

The Philosopher's Toolbox and Does God Exist?

Argument

series of statements and claims, some of which are offered in support of others

Valid Argument

argument in which the premises logically support the conclusion

Sound Argument

argument that is both logically valid and has true premises

Efficient cause

that which causes a being to exist

First cause

a being that both is the cause of all other efficient causes and itself has no efficient cause

Infinite causal regress

linear series of efficient causes in which each being is caused by a previous being in the series

Circular argument

argument whose premises inappropriately assume the conclusion

Contingent being

something that exists but possibly does not exist

Necessary being

something that exists and does not possibly not exist

Principle of Sufficient Reason

every contingent being has an explanation of its existence

Collection C

the collection of every contingent being, past, present, and future

Evil

any pain or suffering

Classical theism

the belief that God exists and is omnibenevolent, omnipotent, and omniscient

Omnibenevolence

perfect goodness

Omnipotence

ability to do anything

Omniscience

knowledge of every truth

First Cause Argument

God exists because in a series of efficient causes that is not circular, there must be a first cause.

Contingency Cosmological Argument

There is a necessary being that created every other contingent being because nothing within the collection of all contingent being explains why they exist, meaning that there must exist a being outside of it responsible for its creation.