Five Ways to Prove the Existence of God. From Summa Theologica. St. Thomas Aquinas
|
|
- Gregory Armstrong
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Five Ways to Prove the Existence of God From Summa Theologica St. Thomas Aquinas
2 Thomas Aquinas ( ), born near Naples, was the most influential philosopher of the medieval period. He joined the Dominican order and taught at the University of Paris. In his vast writings, composed in Latin, he sought to demonstrate that Christian belief was consistent with reason. Aquinas greatest, and best-known, work was the Summa Theologica. We will read further excerpts from the Summa when we begin discussing Philosophy of Economics. The Summa is one of the classics of the history of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature. Intended as an instructional guide for theology students, the Summa is a compendium of all of the main theological teachings of the Catholic Church, and it presents both an articulation and a defense of almost all the important points of Christian theology in the West. The most famous passage of the Summa, printed here, is the five ways to prove the existence of God. While Aquinas believed that not all the tenets of Christian doctrine could be demonstrated without reliance on Divine Revelation, he did maintain that the existence of God was provable without any appeal to faith. In the fourth way (i.e., proof) Aquinas cites Metaphysics II. The reference is to the second book of Metaphysics of Aristotle, and serves as a reminder of Aquinas s regard for that highly influential Greek thinker. We will only examine a few of the proofs in this reading. 1
3 The Five ways The existence of God can be proved in five ways The second way is from the nature of the efficient cause. In the world of sensible things, we find that there is an order of efficient causes 2. There is no case known (neither is it, indeed, possible) in which a thing is found to be the efficient cause of itself, insofar as this would require a thing to be prior to its own existence, which is impossible. Now, for efficient causes, it is not possible to go on to infinity, because in all efficient causes following in order, the first is the cause of the intermediate cause, and the intermediate is the cause of the ultimate cause, whether the intermediate cause be several, or only one. To take away the cause is to take away the effect. Therefore, if there be no first cause among efficient causes, there will be no ultimate, nor any intermediate cause. But if it is possible for efficient causes to go on to infinity, there will be no first efficient cause, neither will there be an ultimate effect, nor any intermediate efficient causes. All of this is plainly false. Therefore it is necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God. Summary of Argument from Efficient Causes 1 These five are not the proofs themselves, but ways, i.e., indications or summaries of proofs. The proofs themselves are elsewhere worked out in much greater detail. The first proof is not included here. 2 As you should recall from the Aristotle reading, the efficient cause can be thought of as the what-actually-does-or-make-it? cause. It has to do with the agent, or force, that brings a thing into being or initiates a change. 2
4 1. We perceive a series of efficient causes of things in the world. 2. Nothing exists prior to itself. 3. Therefore nothing [in the world of things we perceive] is the efficient cause of itself. 4. If a previous efficient cause does not exist, neither does the thing that results from the cause (the effect). 5. Therefore if the first thing in a series does not exist, nothing in the series exists. 6. If the series of efficient causes extends infinitely into the past, then there would be no things existing now. 7. That is plainly false (i.e., there are things existing now that came about through efficient causes). 8. Therefore efficient causes do not extend ad infinitum into the past. 9. Therefore it is necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God. 3. The third way is taken from possibility and necessity and runs thus. We find in nature things that are possible to be and possible not to be, since they are found to be generated, and to decay. Consequently, they are possible to be and not to be. But it is impossible for these always to exist, for that which can not-be at some time is not. Therefore, if everything can not-be that is, if non-being is a possibility for everything that exists then at one time there was nothing in existence. Now if this were true, even now there would be nothing in existence, because that which does not exist only begins to exist by something already existing. Therefore, if at one time nothing was in existence, it would have been impossible for anything to have begun to exist; and thus even now nothing would be in existence which is absurd. 3
5 Therefore, not all beings are merely possible, but there must exist something the existence of which is necessary. But every necessary thing either has its necessity caused by another, or not. Now it is impossible to go on to infinity in necessary things which have their necessity caused by another, as has been already proved in regard to efficient causes. Therefore we must postulate the existence of some being that has, of itself, its own necessity, and not receiving it from another, but rather causing in others their necessity. This all men speak of as God. Summary of Argument from Possibility and Necessity (Reductio ad Absurdum) 1. We find in nature things that are possible to be and possible not to be: i.e., things that come into being and go out of being. These are called contingent beings. 2. Assume that every being is a contingent being. 3. For each contingent being, there is a time that it does not exist. 4. Therefore, it is impossible for these contingent beings always to exist. 5. Therefore, there could have been a time when no things existed. 6. Therefore, at that time, there would have been nothing to bring the currently existing contingent beings into existence. 7. Therefore, nothing would be in existence now. 8. We have reached an absurd result from assuming that every being is a contingent being. 9. Therefore, not every being is a contingent being. 10. Therefore, some being exists of its own necessity and does not receive its existence from another being, but rather causes them. All men speak of as God as this necessary being. 4. The fourth way is taken from the gradation to be found in things. 4
6 Among beings there are some more good and some less good, some are more true and some less true, some are more noble and some are less noble and the like. But more and less are predicated of different things, according to the extent that they resemble, in their different ways, something which is the maximum (or the perfect standard). That is, a thing is said to be hotter according to the extent to which it more nearly resembles that which is hottest. So, there is therefore something which is truest, something best, something noblest and, consequently, there is something which has the most being. For those things that are greatest in truth are greatest in being, as it is written in Metaphysics II. Now, the maximum in any genus is the cause of all in that genus as fire, which is the maximum heat, is the cause of all hot things. Therefore, there must also be something which is to all beings the cause of their being, of their goodness, and of every other perfection we attribute to them. And this we call God. Summary of Argument from the Gradation of Being 1. There is a gradation to be found in things: some are better or worse than others. 2. Predications of degree require reference to the uttermost case (e.g., a thing is said to be hotter than other thing insofar as it more nearly resembles that which is hottest; a thing is said to be more virtuous than another things insofar as it more closely approaches perfect virtue ). 3. The maximum in any genus is the cause of all in that genus. 4. Therefore, there must also be something which is to all beings the cause of their being, the cause of their goodness, and the cause of every other perfection. And this we call God. 5. The fifth way is taken from the governance of the world (also Called the Teleological Argument). 5
7 We see that things which lack intelligence, such as natural bodies, act (move or develop) for the sake of an end, or a goal, or a purpose [i.e., a telos]. And this is evident from their acting always, or nearly always, in the same way, so as to obtain the best result. Hence, it is plain that not fortuitously, but by virtue of design, do things achieve their purpose or goals. Now, whatever lacks intelligence cannot move towards an end, unless it be directed by some being endowed with knowledge and intelligence as the arrow is shot to its mark by the archer. Therefore some intelligent being exists by whom all natural things are directed to their end. And this being we call God. Summary: Argument from Design. We see that natural bodies work toward some goal, and do not do so by chance. 2. Most natural things lack knowledge. 3. But as an arrow reaches its target because it is directed by an archer, what lacks intelligence achieves goals by being directed by something intelligence. 4. Therefore some intelligent being exists by whom all natural things are directed to their end; and this being we call God. The Argument from Design is probably the most popular (or well-known) argument for the existence of God. It can also be called the teleological argument for God s existence. The argument often runs like this: As we look at the world around us, and ourselves, we see ample evidence of design the bird's wing, designed for the purpose of flight; the human ear, designed for the purpose of hearing; the natural environment, designed to support life; and on and on. If there is design, there must be a designer. Naturally, God is that designer. 6
8 To take away the cause is to take away the effect. Therefore, if there be no first cause among efficient causes, there will be no ultimate, nor any intermediate cause. But if it is possible for efficient causes to go on to infinity, there will be no first efficient cause, neither will there be an ultimate effect, nor any intermediate efficient causes. All of this is plainly false. Therefore it is necessary to admit a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God 7
Thomas Aquinas The Existence of God can be proved in five ways.
The First Way: Argument from Motion 1. Our senses prove that some things are in motion. 2. Things move when potential motion becomes actual motion. 3. Only an actual motion can convert a potential motion
More informationSt. Thomas Aquinas Excerpt from Summa Theologica
St. Thomas Aquinas Excerpt from Summa Theologica Part 1, Question 2, Articles 1-3 The Existence of God Because the chief aim of sacred doctrine is to teach the knowledge of God, not only as He is in Himself,
More informationOn The Existence of God Thomas Aquinas
On The Existence of God Thomas Aquinas Art 1: Whether the Existence of God is Self-Evident? Objection 1. It seems that the existence of God is self-evident. Now those things are said to be self-evident
More informationThe Five Ways of St. Thomas in proving the existence of
The Language of Analogy in the Five Ways of St. Thomas Aquinas Moses Aaron T. Angeles, Ph.D. San Beda College The Five Ways of St. Thomas in proving the existence of God is, needless to say, a most important
More informationThe Five Ways THOMAS AQUINAS ( ) Thomas Aquinas: The five Ways
The Five Ways THOMAS AQUINAS (1225-1274) Aquinas was an Italian theologian and philosopher who spent his life in the Dominican Order, teaching and writing. His writings set forth in a systematic form a
More informationThe Five Ways. from Summa Theologiae (Part I, Question 2) by Thomas Aquinas (~1265 AD) translated by Brian Shanley (2006) Question 2. Does God Exist?
The Five Ways from Summa Theologiae (Part I, Question 2) by Thomas Aquinas (~1265 AD) translated by Brian Shanley (2006) Question 2. Does God Exist? Article 1. Is the existence of God self-evident? It
More informationRCIA 2 nd Class September 16, 2015
RCIA 2 nd Class September 16, 2015 Chapter 1, My Soul Longs for You, O God, God Comes to Meet Us Humans are created with a longing for God. When we don t satisfy our longing for God, we try to fill that
More informationAquinas 5 Proofs for God exists
智覺學苑 Academy of Wisdom and Enlightenment Posted: Aug 2, 2017 www.awe-edu.com info@ AWE-edu.com Aquinas 5 Proofs for God exists http://web.mnstate.edu/gracyk/courses/web%20publishing/aquinasfiveways_argumentanalysis.htm
More informationFollowing God involves both our head and our heart. There s the emotional aspect to it, but we need to remember that our brain our reason, our
1 Following God involves both our head and our heart. There s the emotional aspect to it, but we need to remember that our brain our reason, our intelligence, also have a part to play. In faith, our head
More informationARTICLE PRESENTATION, EXAMPLE 2: AQUINAS PHI 101: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY DR. DAVE YOUNT
ARTICLE PRESENTATION, EXAMPLE 2: AQUINAS PHI 101: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY DR. DAVE YOUNT 1. BEARINGS/BIO: Briefly describe the assigned philosopher/author and state the name of the assigned material
More informationAristotle and Aquinas
Aristotle and Aquinas G. J. Mattey Spring, 2017 / Philosophy 1 Aristotle as Metaphysician Plato s greatest student was Aristotle (384-322 BC). In metaphysics, Aristotle rejected Plato s theory of forms.
More informationAQUINAS S FOURTH WAY: FROM GRADATIONS OF BEING
AQUINAS S FOURTH WAY: FROM GRADATIONS OF BEING I. THE DATUM: GRADATIONS OF BEING AQUINAS: The fourth way is taken from the gradation to be found in things. Among beings there are some more and some less
More informationScholasticism In the 1100s, scholars and monks rediscovered the ancient Greek texts that had been lost for so long. Scholasticism was a revival of
Scholasticism In the 1100s, scholars and monks rediscovered the ancient Greek texts that had been lost for so long. Scholasticism was a revival of the ancient methods of logic and reasoning applied to
More informationThomas Aquinas The Treatise on the Divine Nature
Thomas Aquinas The Treatise on the Divine Nature Summa Theologiae I 1 13 Translated, with Commentary, by Brian Shanley Introduction by Robert Pasnau Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. Indianapolis/Cambridge
More informationSummer Preparation Work
2017 Summer Preparation Work Philosophy of Religion Theme 1 Arguments for the existence of God Instructions: Philosophy of Religion - Arguments for the existence of God The Cosmological Argument 1. Watch
More informationST. THOMAS AQUINAS SUMMA THEOLOGICA
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS SUMMA THEOLOGICA (1265 1274) (Benziger Bros. edition, 1947) Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province PROLOGUE TREATISE ON THE ONE GOD 1. The Existence of God 2. On the
More informationDescartes' Ontological Argument
Descartes' Ontological Argument The essential problem with Anselm's argument is that at the end of it all, the atheist can understand the definition and even have the concept in his or her mind, but still
More informationFirst Treatise <Chapter 1. On the Eternity of Things>
First Treatise 5 10 15 {198} We should first inquire about the eternity of things, and first, in part, under this form: Can our intellect say, as a conclusion known
More informationLesson #19: There is a God
Lesson #19: There is a God http://www.religioustolerance.org/atheist.htm Top Ten Reasons I Don t Believe in God 1. The consistent replacement of supernatural explanations of the world with natural ones.
More informationWHAT ARISTOTLE TAUGHT
WHAT ARISTOTLE TAUGHT Aristotle was, perhaps, the greatest original thinker who ever lived. Historian H J A Sire has put the issue well: All other thinkers have begun with a theory and sought to fit reality
More informationDoes God Exist? Understanding arguments for the existence of God. HZT4U1 February
Does God Exist? Understanding arguments for the existence of God HZT4U1 February 19 2016 The Ontological Argument for the existence Ontological : of God The Ontological Argument for the existence of God
More informationAspects of Western Philosophy Dr. Sreekumar Nellickappilly Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Aspects of Western Philosophy Dr. Sreekumar Nellickappilly Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Indian Institute of Technology, Madras Module - 07 Lecture - 07 Medieval Philosophy St. Augustine
More informationAquinas' Third Way Modalized
Philosophy of Religion Aquinas' Third Way Modalized Robert E. Maydole Davidson College bomaydole@davidson.edu ABSTRACT: The Third Way is the most interesting and insightful of Aquinas' five arguments for
More informationThe Divine Nature. from Summa Theologiae (Part I, Questions 3-11) by Thomas Aquinas (~1265 AD) translated by Brian J.
The Divine Nature from Summa Theologiae (Part I, Questions 3-11) by Thomas Aquinas (~1265 AD) translated by Brian J. Shanley (2006) Question 3. Divine Simplicity Once it is grasped that something exists,
More informationProof of the Necessary of Existence
Proof of the Necessary of Existence by Avicenna (Ibn Sīnā), various excerpts (~1020-1037 AD) *** The Long Version from Kitab al-najat (The Book of Salvation), second treatise (~1020 AD) translated by Jon
More informationA level Religious Studies at Titus Salt
Component 2 Philosophy of Religion Theme 1: Arguments for the existence of God inductive This theme considers how the philosophy of religion has, over time, influenced and been influenced by developments
More informationThe Unmoved Mover (Metaphysics )
The Unmoved Mover (Metaphysics 12.1-6) Aristotle Part 1 The subject of our inquiry is substance; for the principles and the causes we are seeking are those of substances. For if the universe is of the
More informationQUESTION 54. An Angel s Cognition
QUESTION 54 An Angel s Cognition Now that we have considered what pertains to an angel s substance, we must proceed to his cognition. This consideration will have four parts: we must consider, first, an
More informationIntroduction to Philosophy. Instructor: Jason Sheley
Introduction to Philosophy Instructor: Jason Sheley Quiz True or False? 1. Descartes believes that the possibility of veridical dreams undermines our faith in our senses. 2. Descartes believes that the
More informationIllustrating Deduction. A Didactic Sequence for Secondary School
Illustrating Deduction. A Didactic Sequence for Secondary School Francisco Saurí Universitat de València. Dpt. de Lògica i Filosofia de la Ciència Cuerpo de Profesores de Secundaria. IES Vilamarxant (España)
More informationCosmological Arguments
Cosmological Arguments Cosmology: u Study of the origins of the Universe u Why is there something rather than nothing? u Where did everything come from? u Where did the stars come from? u Aquinas: u If
More informationJewish and Muslim Thinkers in the Islamic World: Three Parallels. Peter Adamson (LMU Munich)
Jewish and Muslim Thinkers in the Islamic World: Three Parallels Peter Adamson (LMU Munich) Our Protagonists: 9 th -10 th Century Iraq Al-Kindī, d. after 870 Saadia Gaon, d. 942 Al-Rāzī d.925 Our Protagonists:
More informationPeter L.P. Simpson December, 2012
1 This translation of the Prologue of the Ordinatio (aka Opus Oxoniense) of Blessed John Duns Scotus is complete. It is based on volume one of the critical edition of the text by the Scotus Commission
More informationPHYSICS by Aristotle
PHYSICS by Aristotle Book 3 1 NATURE has been defined as a principle of motion and change, and it is the subject of our inquiry. We must therefore see that we understand the meaning of motion ; for if
More informationCosmological arguments for the Existence of God Gerald Jones Dialogue Issue 26 April 2006
Cosmological arguments for the Existence of God Gerald Jones Dialogue Issue 26 April 2006 In its most basic form, a cosmological argument attempts to understand and answer the question 'Why is there a
More informationAquinas, The Five Ways
Aquinas, The Five Ways 1. Preliminaries: Before offering his famous five proofs for God, Aquinas first asks: Is the existence of God self-evident? That is, if we just sat around thinking about it without
More informationThe Cosmological Argument
The Cosmological Argument Reading Questions The Cosmological Argument: Elementary Version The Cosmological Argument: Intermediate Version The Cosmological Argument: Advanced Version Summary of the Cosmological
More informationAquinas, The Divine Nature
Aquinas, The Divine Nature So far we have shown THAT God exists, but we don t yet know WHAT God is like. Here, Aquinas demonstrates attributes of God, who is: (1) Simple (i.e., God has no parts) (2) Perfect
More informationFIRST PART (FP: QQ 1-119)
FIRST PART (FP: QQ 1-119) TREATISE ON SACRED DOCTRINE (Q[1]) THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF SACRED DOCTRINE (TEN ARTICLES) To place our purpose within proper limits, we first endeavor to investigate the nature
More informationNecessary and Contingent Truths [c. 1686)
Necessary and Contingent Truths [c. 1686) An affirmative truth is one whose predicate is in the subject; and so in every true affirmative proposition, necessary or contingent, universal or particular,
More informationP. Weingartner, God s existence. Can it be proven? A logical commentary on the five ways of Thomas Aquinas, Ontos, Frankfurt Pp. 116.
P. Weingartner, God s existence. Can it be proven? A logical commentary on the five ways of Thomas Aquinas, Ontos, Frankfurt 2010. Pp. 116. Thinking of the problem of God s existence, most formal logicians
More informationThe Names of God. from Summa Theologiae (Part I, Questions 12-13) by Thomas Aquinas (~1265 AD) translated by Brian Shanley (2006)
The Names of God from Summa Theologiae (Part I, Questions 12-13) by Thomas Aquinas (~1265 AD) translated by Brian Shanley (2006) For with respect to God, it is more apparent to us what God is not, rather
More informationWhat we want to know is: why might one adopt this fatalistic attitude in response to reflection on the existence of truths about the future?
Fate and free will From the first person point of view, one of the most obvious, and important, facts about the world is that some things are up to us at least sometimes, we are able to do one thing, and
More informationQUESTION 44. The Procession of Creatures from God, and the First Cause of All Beings
QUESTION 44 The Procession of Creatures from God, and the First Cause of All Beings Now that we have considered the divine persons, we will next consider the procession of creatures from God. This treatment
More informationScience. January 27, 2016
Science January 27, 2016 1 2 Anaxagoras For our purposes, Anaxagoras is interesting as a follower of Parmenides and Zeno. Many of the fragments from Anaxagoras appear to be paraphrases of Parmenides. E.g.:
More informationThomas Aquinas on the World s Duration. Summa Theologiae Ia Q46: The Beginning of the Duration of Created Things
Thomas Aquinas on the World s Duration Thomas Aquinas (1224/1226 1274) was a prolific philosopher and theologian. His exposition of Aristotle s philosophy and his views concerning matters central to the
More informationQUESTION 19. God s Will
QUESTION 19 God s Will Having considered the things that pertain to God s knowledge, we must now consider the things that pertain to God s will. First, we will consider God s will itself (question 19);
More informationPHILOSOPHY OF NATURE LET THOMAS AQUINAS TEACH IT. Joseph Kenny, O.P. St. Thomas Aquinas Priory Ibadan, Nigeria
PHILOSOPHY OF NATURE LET THOMAS AQUINAS TEACH IT by Joseph Kenny, O.P. St. Thomas Aquinas Priory Ibadan, Nigeria 2012 PREFACE Philosophy of nature is in a way the most important course in Philosophy. Metaphysics
More informationQUESTION 3. God s Simplicity
QUESTION 3 God s Simplicity Once we have ascertained that a given thing exists, we then have to inquire into its mode of being in order to come to know its real definition (quid est). However, in the case
More informationbecause He has revealed Himself in His Word (Genesis 1:1) and in the world of His
Alec Gardner Honors 213 9 April 2005 Research Paper PROOFS ON THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: NON CREDO UT INTELLIGAM, OR ANSELM AND AQUINAS: REDEFINING NON-BELIEVERS AS IRRATIONAL FOOLS St Anselm and St Thomas
More informationAquinas s Third Way Keith Burgess-Jackson 24 September 2017
Aquinas s Third Way Keith Burgess-Jackson 24 September 2017 Cosmology, a branch of astronomy (or astrophysics), is The study of the origin and structure of the universe. 1 Thus, a thing is cosmological
More informationOn Being and Essence (DE ENTE Et ESSENTIA)
1 On Being and Essence (DE ENTE Et ESSENTIA) By Saint Thomas Aquinas 2 DE ENTE ET ESSENTIA [[1]] Translation 1997 by Robert T. Miller[[2]] Prologue A small error at the outset can lead to great errors
More informationQUESTION 47. The Diversity among Things in General
QUESTION 47 The Diversity among Things in General After the production of creatures in esse, the next thing to consider is the diversity among them. This discussion will have three parts. First, we will
More informationFirst Principles. Principles of Reality. Undeniability.
First Principles. First principles are the foundation of knowledge. Without them nothing could be known (see FOUNDATIONALISM). Even coherentism uses the first principle of noncontradiction to test the
More informationThe Summa Theologica Of St. Thomas Aquinas (Five Volumes) By Fathers of the English Dominican Provinc, Thomas Aquinas READ ONLINE
The Summa Theologica Of St. Thomas Aquinas (Five Volumes) By Fathers of the English Dominican Provinc, Thomas Aquinas READ ONLINE If you are looking for the ebook The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas
More informationLecture 4.2 Aquinas Phil Religion TOPIC: Aquinas Cosmological Arguments for the existence of God. Critiques of Aquinas arguments.
TOPIC: Lecture 4.2 Aquinas Phil Religion Aquinas Cosmological Arguments for the existence of God. Critiques of Aquinas arguments. KEY TERMS/ GOALS: Cosmological argument. The problem of Infinite Regress.
More informationAquinas and Bonaventure: The World s Beginning in Time
Aquinas and Bonaventure: The World s Beginning in Time Mark Hellinger PHIL 211: Medieval Philosophy March 27, 2015 1 One of the questions that the Medieval Philosophers pondered was the question of whether
More informationSemantic Foundations for Deductive Methods
Semantic Foundations for Deductive Methods delineating the scope of deductive reason Roger Bishop Jones Abstract. The scope of deductive reason is considered. First a connection is discussed between the
More information270 Now that we have settled these issues, we should answer the first question [n.
Ordinatio prologue, q. 5, nn. 270 313 A. The views of others 270 Now that we have settled these issues, we should answer the first question [n. 217]. There are five ways to answer in the negative. [The
More informationAncient & Medieval Virtue Ethics
The Theological Virtues Dr. Clea F. Rees ReesC17@cardiff.ac.uk Canolfan Addysg Gydol Oes Prifysgol Caerdydd Centre for Lifelong Learning Cardiff University Y Gwanwyn/Spring 2015 Outline The Historical
More informationJohn Duns Scotus. 1. His Life and Works. Handout 24. called The Subtle Doctor. born in 1265 (or 1266) in Scotland; died in Cologne in 1308
Handout 24 John Duns Scotus 1. His Life and Works called The Subtle Doctor born in 1265 (or 1266) in Scotland; died in Cologne in 1308 While very young, he entered the Franciscan Order. It appears that
More informationPuzzles for Divine Omnipotence & Divine Freedom
Puzzles for Divine Omnipotence & Divine Freedom 1. Defining Omnipotence: A First Pass: God is said to be omnipotent. In other words, God is all-powerful. But, what does this mean? Is the following definition
More informationBroad on Theological Arguments. I. The Ontological Argument
Broad on God Broad on Theological Arguments I. The Ontological Argument Sample Ontological Argument: Suppose that God is the most perfect or most excellent being. Consider two things: (1)An entity that
More informationQuestions on Book III of the De anima 1
Siger of Brabant Questions on Book III of the De anima 1 Regarding the part of the soul by which it has cognition and wisdom, etc. [De an. III, 429a10] And 2 with respect to this third book there are four
More informationever read the whole of the Summa. College graduates, especially students of religion and philosophy, may have studied a few selections, but somehow th
Introduction Every civilization has classic expressions. There are some cultural artifacts that come to sum up a period and a style while also becoming part of the common patrimony of human society. In
More informationTheme 1: Arguments for the existence of God inductive, AS
A. Inductive arguments cosmological Inductive proofs Theme 1: Arguments for the existence of God inductive, AS the concept of a posteriori. Cosmological argument: St Thomas Aquinas first Three Ways 1.
More informationTHE ORDINATIO OF BLESSED JOHN DUNS SCOTUS. Book Two. First Distinction (page 16)
1 THE ORDINATIO OF BLESSED JOHN DUNS SCOTUS Book Two First Distinction (page 16) Question 1: Whether Primary Causality with Respect to all Causables is of Necessity in the Three Persons Num. 1 I. Opinion
More informationIs the Existence of the Best Possible World Logically Impossible?
Is the Existence of the Best Possible World Logically Impossible? Anders Kraal ABSTRACT: Since the 1960s an increasing number of philosophers have endorsed the thesis that there can be no such thing as
More informationChurch History Literacy
Church History Literacy St. Thomas Aquinas Part One Lesson 46 Biblical-Literacy.com Copyright 2007 by W. Mark Lanier. Permission hereby granted to reprint this document in its entirety without change,
More informationc Peter King, 1987; all rights reserved. WILLIAM OF OCKHAM: ORDINATIO 1 d. 2 q. 6
WILLIAM OF OCKHAM: ORDINATIO 1 d. 2 q. 6 Thirdly, I ask whether something that is universal and univocal is really outside the soul, distinct from the individual in virtue of the nature of the thing, although
More informationordered must necessarily perish into disorder, and not into just any old
The Greek title of this work, ta phusika, comes from the word for nature (phusis). It thus refers to the study of natural phenomena in general, and not just to physics in the narrow sense. In books I and
More informationgeneral development of both renaissance and post renaissance philosophy up till today. It would
Introduction: The scientific developments of the renaissance were powerful and they stimulate new ways of thought that one can be tempted to disregard any role medieval thinking plays in the general development
More informationHenry of Ghent on Divine Illumination
MP_C12.qxd 11/23/06 2:29 AM Page 103 12 Henry of Ghent on Divine Illumination [II.] Reply [A. Knowledge in a broad sense] Consider all the objects of cognition, standing in an ordered relation to each
More informationCritique of Cosmological Argument
David Hume: Critique of Cosmological Argument Critique of Cosmological Argument DAVID HUME (1711-1776) David Hume is one of the most important philosophers in the history of philosophy. Born in Edinburgh,
More informationWhat We Are: Our Metaphysical Nature & Moral Implications
What We Are: Our Metaphysical Nature & Moral Implications Julia Lei Western University ABSTRACT An account of our metaphysical nature provides an answer to the question of what are we? One such account
More informationPeter L.P. Simpson January, 2015
1 This translation of the Prologue of the Ordinatio of the Venerable Inceptor, William of Ockham, is partial and in progress. The prologue and the first distinction of book one of the Ordinatio fill volume
More informationPreparation for A Level Religious Studies Year 11 into Year 12 RS Summer Transition Work
As part of your A Level qualification in Religious Studies, you have to follow a course and be examined on the topics of Philosophy, Ethics and New Testament Studies. For many of you, this will be a brand
More informationVol 2 Bk 7 Outline p 486 BOOK VII. Substance, Essence and Definition CONTENTS. Book VII
Vol 2 Bk 7 Outline p 486 BOOK VII Substance, Essence and Definition CONTENTS Book VII Lesson 1. The Primacy of Substance. Its Priority to Accidents Lesson 2. Substance as Form, as Matter, and as Body.
More informationIntroduction. I. Proof of the Minor Premise ( All reality is completely intelligible )
Philosophical Proof of God: Derived from Principles in Bernard Lonergan s Insight May 2014 Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. Magis Center of Reason and Faith Lonergan s proof may be stated as follows: Introduction
More informationTestimony and Moral Understanding Anthony T. Flood, Ph.D. Introduction
24 Testimony and Moral Understanding Anthony T. Flood, Ph.D. Abstract: In this paper, I address Linda Zagzebski s analysis of the relation between moral testimony and understanding arguing that Aquinas
More informationPlotinus and Aquinas on God. A thesis presented to. the faculty of. the College of Arts and Sciences of Ohio University. In partial fulfillment
Plotinus and Aquinas on God A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts Steven L. Kimbler
More informationSummary of the Principles of Religion
Summary of the Principles of Religion Al-Mu taman ibn al- # Assāl, chs. 23 (excerpts), 25 6, Chapter 23 Our statement on the necessity of the Incarnation (al-ta annus) as well, and on the absurdity of
More informationWisdom in Aristotle and Aquinas From Metaphysics to Mysticism Edmond Eh University of Saint Joseph, Macau
Volume 12, No 2, Fall 2017 ISSN 1932-1066 Wisdom in Aristotle and Aquinas From Metaphysics to Mysticism Edmond Eh University of Saint Joseph, Macau edmond_eh@usj.edu.mo Abstract: This essay contains an
More informationMonday, September 26, The Cosmological Argument
The Cosmological Argument God? Classical Theism Classical conception of God: God is Eternal: everlasting Omnipotent: all-powerful Transcendent: beyond the world Omnipresent: everywhere Compassionate:
More informationThe Cosmological Argument: A Defense
Page 1/7 RICHARD TAYLOR [1] Suppose you were strolling in the woods and, in addition to the sticks, stones, and other accustomed litter of the forest floor, you one day came upon some quite unaccustomed
More informationFrom Physics, by Aristotle
From Physics, by Aristotle Written 350 B.C.E Translated by R. P. Hardie and R. K. Gaye (now in public domain) Text source: http://classics.mit.edu/aristotle/physics.html Book III Part 1 Nature has been
More informationSelf-Evidence in Finnis Natural Law Theory: A Reply to Sayers
Self-Evidence in Finnis Natural Law Theory: A Reply to Sayers IRENE O CONNELL* Introduction In Volume 23 (1998) of the Australian Journal of Legal Philosophy Mark Sayers1 sets out some objections to aspects
More informationSpinoza, Ethics 1 of 85 THE ETHICS. by Benedict de Spinoza (Ethica Ordine Geometrico Demonstrata) Translated from the Latin by R. H. M.
Spinoza, Ethics 1 of 85 THE ETHICS by Benedict de Spinoza (Ethica Ordine Geometrico Demonstrata) Translated from the Latin by R. H. M. Elwes PART I: CONCERNING GOD DEFINITIONS (1) By that which is self-caused
More informationQUESTION 87. How Our Intellect Has Cognition of Itself and of What Exists Within It
QUESTION 87 How Our Intellect Has Cognition of Itself and of What Exists Within It Next we have to consider how the intellective soul has cognition of itself and of what exists within it. And on this topic
More informationST. THOMAS AQUINAS ( ) AND HIS TEACHINGS TODAY DATE: MARCH 17 TH 2018 ROSA, SEUNG HEE KANG MYSTERIALUCIS CHAPTER
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (1225-1274) AND HIS TEACHINGS TODAY DATE: MARCH 17 TH 2018 ROSA, SEUNG HEE KANG MYSTERIALUCIS CHAPTER BIOGRAPHY Born circa 1225 in Roccasecca, in the Kingdom of Sicily as a son of Landolfo
More informationKorsgaard and Non-Sentient Life ABSTRACT
74 Between the Species Korsgaard and Non-Sentient Life ABSTRACT Christine Korsgaard argues for the moral status of animals and our obligations to them. She grounds this obligation on the notion that we
More informationWarren. Warren s Strategy. Inherent Value. Strong Animal Rights. Strategy is to argue that Regan s strong animals rights position is not persuasive
Warren Warren s Strategy A Critique of Regan s Animal Rights Theory Strategy is to argue that Regan s strong animals rights position is not persuasive She argues that one ought to accept a weak animal
More informationAvicenna, Proof of the Necessary of Existence
Why is there something rather than nothing? Leibniz Avicenna, Proof of the Necessary of Existence Avicenna offers a proof for the existence of God based on the nature of possibility and necessity. First,
More informationARE GOD S ATTRIBUTES INCOMPATIBLE? A Response to Incompatible Divine Attributes
ARE GOD S ATTRIBUTES INCOMPATIBLE? A Response to Incompatible Divine Attributes GEISLER S LIST OF ATTRIBUTES Aseity Immutability Eternal Impassability Infinite Immaterial Omnipotence Omnipresence Omniscience
More informationOn Proper Action and Virtue: An Essay on Aristotle s Nicomachean Ethics. Joseph Karuzis Hokkaido University, Japan
On Proper Action and Virtue: An Essay on Aristotle s Nicomachean Ethics Joseph Karuzis Hokkaido University, Japan Abstract This paper will discuss and analyze specific arguments concerning moral virtue
More informationOn Law. (1) Eternal Law: God s providence over and plan for all of Creation. He writes,
On Law As we have seen, Aquinas believes that happiness is the ultimate end of human beings. It is our telos; i.e., our purpose; i.e., our final cause; i.e., the end goal, toward which all human actions
More informationPHI 1700: Global Ethics
PHI 1700: Global Ethics Session 8 March 1 st, 2016 Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics 1 Ø Today we begin Unit 2 of the course, focused on Normative Ethics = the practical development of standards for right
More informationMcKenzie Study Center, an Institute of Gutenberg College. Handout 5 The Bible and the History of Ideas Teacher: John A. Jack Crabtree.
, an Institute of Gutenberg College Handout 5 The Bible and the History of Ideas Teacher: John A. Jack Crabtree Aristotle A. Aristotle (384 321 BC) was the tutor of Alexander the Great. 1. Socrates taught
More informationPractical Wisdom and Politics
Practical Wisdom and Politics In discussing Book I in subunit 1.6, you learned that the Ethics specifically addresses the close relationship between ethical inquiry and politics. At the outset, Aristotle
More informationThe Cosmological Argument
The Cosmological Argument Stage I 1. Causal Premise: Everything of type T has a cause. [note: cause purpose]. 2. Something of type T exists. 3. There is a reason X for thinking that there is a First Cause
More information