Theistic proofs for god
- 1. Concepts of aConcepts of a Higher BeingHigher Being Arguments for God Ontological, Cosmological and Teleological
- 2. The philosophy of religion examines the nature of religion, explores rational arguments for and against various religious views, analyses the nature of religious language and explores the variety of human religious experience. This theme allows students to explore philosophically such questions as:
- 3. In shortIn short Ontological: God is defined as the perfect being. Existence is more perfect than non-existence. Therefore, God exists. (St. Anselm, Descartes) Cosmological: Every even has a cause. The universe is an event. Therefore the universe has a cause, God. (St. Thomas Aquinas) Teleological: All complex things have a designer. The universe is complex. Therefore it has a designer, God. (Willam Paley).
- 4. The Ontological ArgumentThe Ontological Argument St. Anselm argued that we can deduce the existence of God from the idea of God. Just from thinking that about what God is, we can conclude that God exists. Therefore the ability to conceive the idea of God, supports the fact that God exists.
- 5. The argumentThe argument Anselm’s argument relies on conceivability 1.By definition, God is a being greater than which cannot be conceived. 2.I can conceive of such a being. 3.It is greater to exist than to not exist. 4.Therefore God must exist.
- 6. Key pointsKey points The ontological argument is a priori; it works from the analysis of the idea of God, not from any fact or experience. Also called rational thinking. Anselm’s argument takes for granted the idea that God is the greatest conceivable Being. Our capacity to conceive the idea of God makes God’s existence logical. The conclusion of the ontological argument is that God necessarily exists.
- 7. The cosmological argumentThe cosmological argument A medieval Christian thinker called Thomas Aquinas wrote: ‘In the cosmos is it obvious that some things change. Now, whatever changes must have been changed by something else. And if that something else in turn changes then it must have been changed by another. But this cannot go on to infinity… you eventually have to arrive at something that is unchanging. This is God!’ The cosmological argument is an argument from natural theology; the view that we can understand the nature and existence of God through his work in creation. Which is accessible to all humans, through experience, rather than through reason.
- 8. The argumentThe argument 1. Nothing can happen by itself 2. Everything that happens must be caused by something else. 3. The universe could not have just ‘happened’ by itself. 4. A very powerful force must have caused it into being. 5. This cause must have been God. 6. This means that God must exist!
- 9. The teleological argumentThe teleological argument The teleological theory is often called the argument for design. It is based on observation of the apparent order in the universe and the natural world, to conclude that it is not the result of mere chance, but of design. The argument makes the basic assumption that there is order and design in the universe, and that all things function to fulfill a specific purpose.
- 10. The argumentThe argument 1. The world is so well ordered and everything is balanced to sustain life. The world is so beautiful and complex, with interdependent parts making a whole. 2. This complex world must therefore have been designed. 3. If it is designed, it must have a designer. 4. The only being powerful enough to design the universe is God. 5. So God must therefore exist.
- 11. TaskTask 1. Read the material for ONE of the arguments for God (including criticisms) 2. In groups discuss what you have read. 3. Answer the following question: Define the argument for the existence of God and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.