3.2.3.4 Critiques of Cosmological Arguments

    Cards (35)

    • What do cosmological arguments primarily focus on?
      Origin and nature of universe
    • If the premises of a cosmological argument are true, the conclusion that there must be a first cause logically follows

      True
    • The Kalam cosmological argument focuses on the universe beginning to exist
    • Arguments for infinite regress suggest that the universe could be infinitely old
    • An infinite series of causes cannot be completed because it lacks a beginning
      True
    • One criticism of causality is that it may not apply to the universe
    • Structure of a typical cosmological argument
      1️⃣ Everything that begins to exist has a cause
      2️⃣ The universe began to exist
      3️⃣ Therefore, there must be a first cause
    • The Kalam argument differs from the First Cause argument in its focus on the beginning of the universe
      True
    • The argument for infinite regress proposes that there is no need for a first cause
    • An infinite chain of causes depends on an uncaused entity to initiate the sequence.
    • The universe itself may not be subject to the causal principle, as it is the origin of all existence.
    • Quantum physics suggests events can occur without a clear cause.
    • Quantum indeterminacy at the quantum level challenges the premise that everything that begins to exist has a cause.
    • Cosmological arguments are a type of argument for the existence of God that focus on the universe
    • What are two common examples of cosmological arguments?
      Kalam and First Cause
    • The First Cause argument emphasizes the impossibility of an infinite regress of causes

      True
    • Match the argument against infinite regress with its key point:
      Logical Paradox ↔️ Infinite series cannot be complete
      Dependency on the Uncaused ↔️ Chain depends on an uncaused entity
    • The argument for infinite regress suggests that the universe could be infinitely old
    • Cosmological arguments focus on the origin and nature of the universe
    • The logical paradox argument against infinite regress suggests that an infinite series cannot be complete
    • The concept of an infinitely old universe eliminates the need for a first cause.
      True
    • Quantum indeterminacy suggests that some events may occur without a clear cause.

      True
    • The need for an uncaused first cause contradicts the principle of sufficient reason.

      True
    • Steps in the structure of cosmological arguments
      1️⃣ Everything that begins to exist has a cause
      2️⃣ The universe began to exist
      3️⃣ Therefore, there must be a first cause
    • Match the cosmological argument with its key premise:
      Kalam Cosmological Argument ↔️ The universe began to exist
      First Cause Argument ↔️ Infinite regress of causes is impossible
    • What concept do criticisms of cosmological arguments often focus on?
      Infinity
    • The concept of infinity is a key focus in criticisms of cosmological arguments
    • The debate over infinite regress highlights fundamental disagreements about cosmological arguments
      True
    • Cosmological arguments assume the universe began to exist

      True
    • The Kalam cosmological argument relies on the premise that the universe began to exist
    • An infinite chain of causes depends on an uncaused entity to initiate the sequence
      True
    • What is one argument against the possibility of infinite regress based on logical paradoxes?
      An infinite series cannot be completed
    • What fundamental disagreement is highlighted by the debate over infinite regress in cosmological arguments?
      Existence of a first cause
    • What is considered conceptually incoherent about the notion of an "uncaused first cause"?
      Violates the causal principle
    • What does the Eternal Universe Model posit about the universe's origin?
      The universe has no beginning