Cosmological Argument

Question 1

What is the main argument of the Cosmological Argument?

Answer 1

The existence of the Universe proves the existence of God.

Question 2

Who was the main developer of the Cosmological Argument?

Answer 2

Thomas Aquinas.

Question 3

Which three of Aquinas’ Five Points contribute to this argument?

Answer 3

1. Nothing can move itself
2. Nothing can cause itself
3. The Universe is contingent and needs a necessary being to bring it into existence

Question 4

Name two of the variations of the Cosmological Argument.

Answer 4

• The Kalam Argument
• The Principle of Sufficient Reason

Question 5

Name two scientific theories about the origins of the Universe.

Answer 5

• The Big Bang Theory
• The Oscillating Universe Theory

Question 6

Name some of the criticisms against the Cosmological Argument.

Answer 6

• Why couldn’t there be an infinite number of first causes?
• Why doesn’t God have a cause?
• Can we really understand how the Universe came into being?

Question 7

Name some of the strengths of the Cosmological Argument.

Answer 7

• It gives us a possible reason for the existence of the Universe and God
• It doesn’t conflict with scientific theories - God could have caused the Big Bang
• Emphasises the role of God as the creator of everything and his omniscience