existence of god and revelation Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is the main idea of the Design Argument?
The complexity and order of the universe suggest the existence of a designer.
Who is involved with the design argument?
Paley’s watch: a watch is complex and has a purpose, so it must have a designer. likewise for the universe.
Isaac newton: The thumb’s function + fingerprint (evolution)
Tennant’s design: fine-tuning of the universe for life to exist
Aquinas: only a powerful, intelligent being could keep things in the universe in regular order (e.g. suns and stars -> rebutted by scientific discovery)
Strengths of the design argument?
It is supported by modern science (fine-tuning of the universe, complexity of DNA. but still -> survivor bias)
Weaknesses of the design argument?
- The universe is far more complicated than a watch -> the universe is also far more complex on a greater scale, regardless of whether it is a watch
- The universe could’ve been designed by multiple gods -> it has a very consistent design
- problem of evil still persists -> moral growth, free will
- the universe could be eternal, no need creator -> universe can’t be infinite (big bang theory pinpoints the start of the universe to around 13 bil years ago. infinite amount of time to present. entropy loss, heat death.)
- evolution, natural selection, survivorship bias
What is the key idea of the First Cause Argument (Cosmological)?
Everything has a cause, hence the universe must have a first cause as well, and that first cause must be God.
Who talks about the First Cause argument?
Aquinas’s argument: Everything in motion must have been moved by something else, yet there cannot be an infinite number of regresses. Therefore, there must have been an unmoved mover – God. (infinite domino chain, first domino?)
What are the strengths of the First Cause argument?
It makes sense logically: you can’t have an infinite number of causes, and you need a first cause that is out of the universe, which is god.
What are the weaknesses of the First Cause argument?
- contradiction -> everything must have a first cause, yet god doesn’t have a cause (r: god is outside time, hence he is eternal)
- the universe could’ve existed eternally, as per hume (r: bb theory)
- quantum physics (atoms spawn out of nothing)
What is the key idea of the Miracle Argument?
Miracles are unexplainable positive events that defy natural laws, suggesting divine intervention.
What are the strengths of the Miracle argument?
If miracles happen and can’t be explained by natural laws, then it must be proof that god exists. (e.g. lourdes healing)
What are the weaknesses of the Miracle argument?
- easily just deceived/ lies
- uneducated/ religiously biased societies
- different religions have different miracles, but they can’t all exist
- natural explanations are much more likely than miracles
What is the key idea of Evil and suffering as an argument against God?
If God is omnipotent, omnibenevolent and omniscient, then why does pain and suffering still exist?
Arguments against evil and suffering argument? (why evil and suffering can coexist with god)
- free will defense
- moral evils are humanity’s fault
- character building
counterarguments against necessary evil?
- why is there so much unnecessary and excessive suffering? e.g. the holocaust, earthquakes, murder of children?
- unfair distribution of suffering
What is the key idea of Arguments from science against God?
Science offers natural explanations for things that people needed the supernatural to explain, because science wasn’t as advanced as it is now.
What are examples for the science argument?
- quantum fluctuations
- evolution
What are counterarguments against science?
- science can be compatible with the universe
- science only explains the how not the why
What is ultimate reality?
It is a fundamental, unchanging theory of the universe.
enlightenment for buddhists, god and the holy trinity for christians
What is special revelation?
Direct, personal experience of the divine via events such as miracles, dreams, visions etc.
Strengths of special revelation?
- life-changing experience for people
- can reveal specific divine knowledge beyond what science/ reason/ normal day to day activities can deduce.
What are the weaknesses of special revelation?
- only available to very few people
- possible lies/ delusion
- contradiction between religions
What are the strengths and weaknesses of enlightenment?
- strength: based on personal experience and understanding
- unscientific and subjective
What is general revelation?
Indirect knowledge of God through nature or scripture.
What is the strength of general revelation?
It is available to everyone, so many people can come and discuss their faith. Communal understanding and resources.
