The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Cosmological Argument

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a) Examine The Main Strengths and Weaknesses of the Cosmological Argument (12)

b) Consider the view that the weaknesses are more convincing then the strengths (6)

a) The Cosmological argument is based on the belief that there is a first cause behind the existence of the universe (Cosmos). The cosmological argument has taken many forms and has been presented in many ways. In each case the argument focuses on upon the causes that lead to the existence of the universe and everything inside it. The argument is set out to answer the following questions:         

  • How did the universe begin?
  • Why was the universe created?
  • Who created the universe?

Aquinas argues that an object only moved if an external force was applied to it and this chain of movements cannot go back to infinity as there must have been a prime mover which itself was unmoved. This unmoved mover began the movement of everything without actually being moved and therefore Aquinas argued that this was ultimately God. This is a major strength to Aquinas' argument as Aquinas believed that this prime mover was God and is therefore agreeing with all major religions such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism. However, he is trying to prove that God exists from the external evidence around us and not in the way religions tend to believe that this is God. Religion draws God as the final conclusion because this is what is stated in the Holy Books and about belief and faith in an ultimate being.

Aquinas uses the example of actuality and potential which makes it easier to understand his argument on motion and change. He spoke of things achieving their potential by an external influence. Aquinas used the example of fire making wood hot. When fire comes into contact with wood it becomes hot to achieve its potential to become hot. In order to change it required actuality and if it didn't it would have to initiate itself which would require both actual and potential at the same time. Wood cannot be hot to begin with as it would not change and become hot. The fact that it is wood is its actuality and the fact that fire can make it hot is its potentiality. Each change is therefore the result of an earlier change. This makes sense as an event only occurs if earlier events have taken place as in the example of fire and wood. Aquinas concludes that the first movement was brought about by a first mover and therefore this was God.

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However, one could argue about questioning beyond God and involving infinite regress. The philosopher J.L. Mackie criticized the Cosmological argument because he wanted to question beyond God; why does God have to be the final conclusion?  

Another school of thought could argue that the so called prime mover wasn't God and that the universe started by random movement of particles and by the Big Bang. The theory provides a scientific explanation to the beginning of the universe and can be used in favor of or against the cosmological argument. Was the Big Bang caused by a spontaneous ...

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