1 - RS1022 F24 - #1 - Is there a God - MASTER

Perplexing Issues

  • Explore the question: Is there a 'God'?

  • Instructor: Prof. Corinne Walsh

Land Acknowledgement

  • Purpose of Land Acknowledgements: Inspire action to support Indigenous communities, enhance visibility, and provide space for Indigenous voices.

  • Recognition of traditional lands at King’s University:

    • Situated on the lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lūnaapéewak Nations.

    • Local First Nations: Chippewas of the Thames, Oneida Nation, Munsee Delaware Nation.

    • Eleven First Nations communities in the region along with a growing Indigenous urban population.

  • King's University values contributions of local First Nations and all Original Peoples of Turtle Island.

  • Commitment to reconciliation includes:

    • Addressing past injustices.

    • Providing space for Traditional Knowledge.

    • Engaging in learning Indigenous ways of knowing.

    • Intentional recruitment of Indigenous students and staff.

    • Creating safer environments for Indigenous community members.

Agenda

  • Examination of topics:

    • The argument from atheism and science.

    • Science arguments regarding religion.

    • Teleological and cosmological arguments.

Is there a 'God'?

  • Central theme of inquiry.

Science and Religion: A New Understanding?

  • Discussion of the perceived agreement between science and religion.

The Argument from Atheism and Science

  • Key point: Existence of God cannot be definitively proven.

  • If proof is not present, a negative response is presumed (scientific method).

  • Reference: Richard Dawkins' work; interview available on YouTube.

Arguments from Religion and Science

  • Exploration of what contemporary science reveals about the concept of God.

  • Reference: Richard Handler's article regarding the "God spot" visible through MRI imaging.

  • Question: Is God an abstract concept or a concrete reality?

Teleos

  • Definition: Greek term meaning 'end' or 'purpose'.

  • Argument from Design:

    • Claim: Nature demonstrates design or purpose in its entirety.

    • Associated with William Paley's ideas (Paley article available).

Teleological Argument

  • Assertion:

    • An object that is complex or purposeful indicates design.

    • Conclusion: If something appears designed, it implies a creator (God).

  • Structure of the Argument:

    • X (an object) is too complex to have occurred randomly.

    • Therefore, X must be created by a sentient and purposeful being.

    • Final conclusion: God exists.

Cosmos and Cosmological Argument

  • Cosmos: Greek term for 'universe'.

  • Cosmology: Theories regarding the origin and development of the universe.

  • Historical support: Plato, Aristotle.

  • Main Focus: Causation in the universe.

Cosmological Argument

  • Core premises:

    • Efficient Cause: The agent behind changes or events.

    • First Cause: The original cause of all subsequent causes; termed the 'Prime Mover'.

  • Summary of Argument:

    • Everything that begins to exist has a cause.

    • The universe began to exist; therefore, it has a cause.

    • The cause is identified as God.