The document discusses the philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God, highlighting historical figures like Descartes, Berkeley, Anselm, Aquinas, and Paley. It presents various arguments such as the ontological, cosmological, and teleological arguments, alongside critiques including Hume's skepticism and Darwin's theory of natural selection. The text also addresses the problem of evil and the tension between free will and the existence of a traditionally conceived Christian God.

1. The Existence
of God
An Introduction to Philosophy: 04
© James Mooney 2012

2. The Existence of God
• God has had a substantial role in much of the philosophy
we have already considered.
– Descartes attempts to escape solipsism by appeal to the clear and
distinct idea of God; he also invokes the Almighty in his attempt to
explain the problem of causal interaction.
– In addition, Berkeley required the intervention of God in order to
account for the continued existence of the world.
• However, most modern philosophers are atheists; many
actually hold religion responsible for a great deal of the
world’s ails.
• Given the role that religion continues to play in our lives it
is important for philosophy to consider the argument for
and against the existence of God.

3. St. Anselm (c.1033-1109)
Faith seeking
understanding
The Ontological Argument
P1
That than which nothing greater
can be thought can be thought.
P2
If that than which nothing greater
can be thought can be thought, it
exists in reality.
C
Therefore, that than which nothing
greater can be thought exists in
reality.

4. Gaunilo’s
perfect island

5. God
Omnipotent
Omniscient
Benevolent

6. The Cosmological Argument
Either there was a first event in the history of
the universe or there was no first event
It is not possible that there was no first event (a
priori)
Therefore, there was a first event (an uncaused
cause)
p v q
Law of
Excluded -q
Thomas Aquinas
Middle
∴p
1224-1274

7. The Cosmological Argument
• The cosmological argument is valid (it is an a priori
‘deductive’ argument).
• It would seem to be the case that the notion of an infinite series
is logically impossible.
• Science claims that all events in the universe are caused by
antecedent events. As such, an uncaused cause would seem to
be a unique event.
• However, the claim of universal causality is the result of an
inductive inference (see next slide).
• Even if the argument is successful,
it only proves that there was a first cause.
• This could even be endorsed by atheists.
– ‘Big bang theory’

8. The Problem of • In inductive arguments, general
laws or principles are inferred
from particular observations of
Induction (Hume)
how things are in the world.
e.g.
Swan 1 is white
• We have already considered the
Swan 2 is white…
following valid argument form.
Swan 3,999 is white
e.g.
All man are mortal
Therefore, all swans are white.
Socrates is a man
• As such, inductive arguments
Therefore, Socrates is mortal
move beyond their premises to
• This ‘syllogism’ is an ideal make important scientific claims.
example of a deductive argument • The problem, however, is that such
- one where the truth of the arguments are invalid; it is
premises entails the truth of the possible for the premises to be true
conclusion.
but the conclusion false (see also a
• Deductive argument never move posteriori, synthetic, contingent).
beyond the information contained
in the premises.
• As such, they are truth preserving
(see also a priori, analytic,
necessary)

9. Teleological Argument
“Suppose I had found a watch upon the ground, and it should be inquired how the watch
happened to be in that place (...) There must have existed, at some time, and at some place
or other, an artificer or artificers, who formed [the watch] for the purpose which we find it
actually to answer; who comprehended its construction, and designed its use. (...) Every
indication of contrivance, every manifestation of design, which existed in the watch, exists
in the works of nature; with the difference, on the side of nature, of being greater or more,
and that in a degree which exceeds all computation.
!
William Paley, Natural Theology (1802)
Argument from Analogy
P1
(x) is like (y)
P2
(y) has the property (P)
C
Therefore, (x) has the property (P)

10. Problems with the Teleological
Argument
• Weakness of arguments from
analogy
– Hume’s Example
• Potential infinite regress
– Who designed the designer?
• Even if successful, only proves
existence of a cosmic designer
(not an omnipotent, omniscient,
benevolent creator).
• Darwin’s theory of natural Charles Darwin
selection explains apparent
‘intelligent design’.
1809-1882

11. Argument from Evil
1. God knows about the
existence of evil
2. God could do something
about the existence of evil
3. God should want to do
something about the
existence of evil
The existence of evil is
incompatible with the
standard conception of
the Christian God.
The traditional theistic
response is that the
existence of evil is a
necessary implication of
human free will.

12. Natural
Evil

13. ‘leap of
faith’
Soren Kierkegaard
1813-1855"

14. Details
James Mooney
Open Studies
The University of Edinburgh
j.mooney@ed.ac.uk
www.filmandphilosophy.com
@film_philosophy