Higher RMPS Aim: You should be able to describe the Cosmological Argument. You should be able to describe the Cosmological Argument. You will be able to describe the difference between a necessary and contingent being. You will be able to describe the difference between a necessary and contingent being.

In your jotters Heading: Cosmological Argument Heading: Cosmological Argument Date Date

Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 1274) Thomas Aquinas was probably the most important philosopher of the Medieval period. Thomas Aquinas was probably the most important philosopher of the Medieval period. Today we will look at one of his arguments for the existence of God. Today we will look at one of his arguments for the existence of God.

The First Cause Argument The First Cause Argument is sometimes called the Cosmological Argument. The First Cause Argument is sometimes called the Cosmological Argument.

First Cause Argument The universe exists. The universe exists.

First Cause Argument The universe exists. The universe exists. Everything that exists has a cause. Everything that exists has a cause.

First Cause Argument The universe exists. The universe exists. Everything that exists has a cause. Everything that exists has a cause. Every cause itself has a cause. Every cause itself has a cause.

First Cause Argument The universe exists. The universe exists. Everything that exists has a cause. Everything that exists has a cause. Every cause itself has a cause. Every cause itself has a cause. It does not make sense to have an infinite number of causes. It does not make sense to have an infinite number of causes.

First Cause Argument The universe exists. The universe exists. Everything that exists has a cause. Everything that exists has a cause. Every cause itself has a cause. Every cause itself has a cause. It does not make sense to have an infinite number of causes. It does not make sense to have an infinite number of causes. Therefore there must be an uncaused cause which started it all off. Therefore there must be an uncaused cause which started it all off.

First Cause Argument The universe exists. The universe exists. Everything that exists has a cause. Everything that exists has a cause. Every cause itself has a cause. Every cause itself has a cause. It does not make sense to have an infinite number of causes. It does not make sense to have an infinite number of causes. Therefore there must be an uncaused cause which started it all off. Therefore there must be an uncaused cause which started it all off. This uncaused cause must be God. This uncaused cause must be God.

Contingent A contingent being is one which has been caused. A contingent being is one which has been caused. We are all contingent beings! We are all contingent beings!

Necessary A necessary being is one who requires no cause. A necessary being is one who requires no cause. Religious people would argue that God is a necessary being. Religious people would argue that God is a necessary being.

What would Sheldon have to say to this argument?

Hokum? 1. Aquinas contradicts himself when he says everything that exists has a cause and then says that God is uncaused.

Hokum? 2. The Universe might be eternal.

Hokum? 1. Aquinas contradicts himself when he says everything that exists has a cause and then says that God is uncaused. 2. The Universe might be eternal. 3. Quantum physics suggests that particles pop into existence all the time with no apparent cause.

Task: Create a dialogue between Thomas Aquinas and Dr Sheldon Cooper (they should be arguing about the cosmological argument!.)

Has Thomas Aquinas convinced you that God must exist? Please answer in full sentences. Please answer in full sentences. i.e. Thomas Aquinas has convinced me that God exists because……… i.e. Thomas Aquinas has convinced me that God exists because………OR Thomas Aquinas has not convinced me that God exists because…… Thomas Aquinas has not convinced me that God exists because……