Philosophy

Preliminary Concepts for the Semester

  • The course will explore the existence and nature of God, requiring clear definitions and understanding of key terms.

  • Establishing clear definitions is vital for productive discussion.

Definitions and Understanding of 'God'

  • Challenges with Definition:

    • Definitions can be straightforward for concrete items (e.g., chairs).

    • Defining abstract entities like 'God' is complex and culturally influenced.

  • Standard Definition Elements:

    • Genus: Broad classification (e.g., 'God' as a supreme being).

    • Differentiating Characteristics: Unique features that set this definition apart (e.g., omnipotent, omniscient).

Attributes of God

  • The course will discuss nine divine attributes of 'the God' worshiped in major religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) vs. traditional deities like Zeus.

The Nine Attributes of God

  1. Omniscient: All-knowing.

    • Latin term: Omniscientia

  2. Omnipotent: All-powerful.

    • Latin term: Omnipotentia

  3. Omnipresent: Present everywhere.

  4. Omnibenevolent: All-good.

  5. Eternal: Outside of time; God does not come into existence or cease to exist (unlike mortal beings).

  6. Incorporeal: Without a physical body.

  7. Perfect: Lacking in no qualities; the absence of limitations or flaws.

  8. Unchanging: Philosophical debate exists about whether God can change or remain the same over time.

  9. One God: The belief that there is only one supreme God (in contrast to polytheistic beliefs).

    • Note on the debate: Some Christian sects struggled with the concept of a singular divine nature between the Old and New Testaments.

The Nature of Non-Material Existence

  • Incomprehensibility: God's nature might be ultimately unknowable.

  • Cultural Variance: Different cultures have varying concepts of God; it emphasizes the need for structured definitions in philosophical discourse.

Theism, Atheism, and Agnosticism

  • Definitions:

    1. Theism: Belief in the existence of God(s).

    2. Atheism: Belief that there is no God. This includes strong atheists who claim that no gods exist and that the concept of God is incoherent.

    3. Agnosticism: The belief that it's impossible to know whether a god exists or not.

      • Important to note that agnostics assert neither theism nor atheism has proven its case.

Burden of Proof Principle

  • The burden of proof or the philosophical responsibility lies with those making positive assertions (theists) to substantiate their claims about God's existence.

  • The agnostic asserts that no definitive proof exists from either side.

Arguments on the Existence of God

  • Major Arguments:

    1. Ontological Argument: Challenges with common accessibility understanding.

    2. Cosmological Argument: Connecting God as a necessary being for the universe.

    3. Teleological Argument: Argument from design; examines purpose and order in the universe.

  • Philosophical Discussions: The course will explore both supporting arguments and critiques of these perspectives.

    • How does the nature of the attributes create coherent or incoherent views in the face of philosophical inquiries?

Upcoming Focus in Classes

  • The next classes will delve into the ontological argument and its critiques, with readings assigned.

  • Prepare to discuss how different arguments relate to the divine attributes,

    • e.g., Perfect and Eternal attributes in context to philosophical arguments.

  • Important to be familiar with the readings assigned to enhance understanding and participation.

Conclusion

  • The main focus remains on understanding the attributes of God, philosophical arguments for and against his existence, and engaging in essential discussions about the nature of faith, belief, and reason.