Philosophy of Religion: Cosmological & Teleological Arguments

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Questions and Answers

What does the Cosmological Argument suggest about the universe's existence?

  • The universe is infinite and self-sustaining.
  • The universe has a beginning and requires a cause. (correct)
  • The universe is caused by itself.
  • The universe has always existed without a cause.

Which principle supports the idea that the simplest explanation is often the correct one in the context of the Cosmological Argument?

  • The Principle of Sufficient Reason
  • The Law of Non-Contradiction
  • Ockham's Razor (correct)
  • The Principle of Sufficient Cause

In Paley's Watch Analogy, what feature of the watch suggests it has a designer?

  • Its ability to function without maintenance.
  • Its random arrangement of parts.
  • Its complex parts and regularity. (correct)
  • Its existence on the heath.

What do some scientists believe about God in relation to the material universe?

<p>God is a necessary being distinct from the material universe. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is inferred from the regularity and purpose seen in the universe?

<p>A superior intelligent being is responsible for its design. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Teleological Argument suggest about the universe?

<p>There is a superior intelligent being responsible for its complexity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle supports the Teleological Argument by advocating for the simplest explanation?

<p>Occam's Razor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept argues that some biological structures are too complex to have evolved gradually?

<p>Irreducible Complexity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What alternative to the Teleological Argument suggests that the appearance of order may be subjective?

<p>Kant's Philosophy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Richard Dawkins argue regarding the appearance of design in the universe?

<p>It can be explained by random mutations and natural selection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas' first way in his cosmological argument emphasize?

<p>Movement must originate from a single initial source, termed the 'unmoved mover'. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do people hold differing views about the existence of God?

<p>Scientific advancements have led to disputes between faith and empirical evidence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas' third way in his cosmological argument propose?

<p>There's a necessary being that exists of itself, which is God. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common belief among religious believers regarding the existence of God?

<p>God is essential as a creator of the universe. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do some people interpret the theory of evolution in relation to God?

<p>As a confirmation of God's design due to the complexity of life forms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Aquinas' First Way (Motion)

The argument that the existence of motion in the universe requires a first mover, or 'unmoved mover', which is God.

Aquinas' Second Way (Causality)

The argument that every cause must have a previous cause, and there must be an 'uncaused cause', which is God.

Aquinas' Third Way (Potentiality)

The argument that everything that exists must have a necessary being, or something that exists by itself, which is God.

Teleological Argument

The argument that everything in the universe has a purpose, which is a sign of design and points to God.

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Reasons for Different Views on God's Existence

Different interpretations of evidence, personal experiences, philosophical beliefs, and cultural backgrounds contribute to diverse perspectives on God's existence.

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Science and the Cosmological Argument

The idea that science supports the existence of a creator, often God, by acknowledging the universe's beginning and the requirement of a first cause.

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Paley's Watch Analogy

Analogy comparing a complex watch to the universe, suggesting both require a designer due to their intricate parts and purposeful design.

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First Cause Argument

The belief that the universe's existence requires a first cause, often identified as God, to initiate the chain of events.

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Ockham's Razor

A philosophical principle that suggests the simplest explanation is usually the most probable one, often used to support the idea of a first cause and God's existence.

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Irreducible Complexity

Biological structures that are too complex to have evolved gradually, implying a need for a designer. This is used to support the teleological argument.

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Evolutionary Theory

The theory that the apparent order and design in the universe could be explained by natural processes like chance mutations and natural selection. This opposes the teleological argument.

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Hume's Criticism of Teleological Argument

The argument that even if the universe is perfectly designed, this alone doesn't prove a creator (God). There could be multiple creators or no creator at all.

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