5.1.2 Arguments for the existence of God Notes

Arguments for the Existence of God

Ontological Argument

Key Features:

1. A Priori: Based on logic and reason, not observation.
2. Analytic: Relies on the definition of God as a perfect being.
3. Deductive: If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

Anselm's Ontological Argument

1. Premise 1: God is a being than which nothing greater can be conceived.
2. Premise 2: It is greater to exist in reality than merely in the mind.
3. Conclusion: Therefore, God must exist in reality, not just in the mind.

Criticisms of the Ontological Argument

1. Gaunilo's Perfect Island: Gaunilo argued that Anselm's logic could be used to prove the existence of anything, like a perfect island, which is absurd.
2. Kant's Objection:
   1. Immanuel Kant argued that existence is not a predicate (a quality or attribute).
   2. You cannot define something into existence by adding existence as a property.

Cosmological Argument

Key Features:

1. A Posteriori: Based on empirical observation.
2. Causal: Focuses on the need for a first cause or unmoved mover.
3. Inductive: Draws probable conclusions from observations.

Aquinas' Five Ways

1. Motion: Everything in motion is moved by something else. There must be a first mover, which is God.
2. Causation: Every effect has a cause. There must be a first cause, which is God.
3. Contingency: Contingent beings exist, but there must be a necessary being that causes them, which is God.

Kalam Cosmological Argument

1. It is developed in Islamic philosophy and later popularized by William Lane Craig.
2. Key Premises:
   1. Premise 1: Everything that begins to exist has a cause.
   2. Premise 2: The universe began to exist.
   3. Conclusion: Therefore, the universe has a cause, which is God.

Criticisms of the Cosmological Argument

1. Infinite Regress: Some philosophers argue that an infinite regress of causes is possible, negating the need for a first cause.
2. Quantum Physics: Modern physics suggests that some events, like quantum fluctuations, may occur without a cause.

Teleological Argument

Key Features:

1. A Posteriori: Based on empirical observation.
2. Analogical: Compares the universe to human-made objects.
3. Inductive: Draws probable conclusions from observations.

Paley's Watchmaker Analogy

1. Analogy: If you find a watch on the ground, you would infer it was designed by an intelligent being due to its complexity.
2. Application: Similarly, the complexity of the universe suggests the existence of a divine designer.

Criticisms of the Teleological Argument

1. Darwin's Theory of Evolution: Natural selection explains the complexity of living organisms without requiring a designer.
2. Hume's Critique:
   1. David Hume argued that the analogy between human-made objects and the universe is flawed.
   2. The universe is unique and cannot be compared to a watch.

Karma as Proof of God in Nyaya Hindu Thought

Argument:

1. The order and justice observed in the world through karma imply the existence of a divine being who administers this law.
2. God is seen as the ultimate judge who ensures that karma operates fairly.

Criticisms of the Nyaya Argument

1. Alternative Explanations: Some argue that karma can operate as a natural law without requiring a divine being.
2. Cultural Specificity: The argument relies on concepts specific to Hindu philosophy, which may not be persuasive to those outside that tradition.

Reflection and Analysis

1. Ontological Argument: Relies on logic and definitions.
2. Cosmological Argument: Focuses on causation and the universe's existence.
3. Teleological Argument: Emphasizes design and complexity.
4. Nyaya Argument: Highlights moral order through karma.