Proof that God Exists Does Not (1) - Srimanasa Nagabhyiru
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Dec 6, 2023
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Proof that God Exists / Does Not Exist Srimanasa Nagabhyiru The question of God's existence has been subject of philosophical study for centuries. One of the arguments for the existence of God is the cosmological argument that everything that exists has a
cause. This essay examines the cosmological argument, critiques its strengths and weaknesses, presents my agnostic position, and formulates my argument in terms of premises and conclusions.
Cosmological arguments attributed to philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas and Leibniz are based on principles of causality. The existence of the universe and everything in it is required a cause or explanation. In simple terms, it can be explained as follows Everything happens for a reason. There is a world. Therefore, the universe has a cause according to proponents of the argument, that reason is God. The reason is that the universe cannot create itself creating a logical paradox as the ultimate cause of all things, the inevitable and causeless being must be God.
Although the cosmological argument is intellectually stimulating, it is open to criticism. One of the main criticisms is the "problem of infinite regression". If everything requires a cause, what did God cause? This argument introduces endless reasons and undermine its premise calling into questioning logical consistencies of the argument. Another criticism is that the cosmological argument assumes that causal relationships we understand within the universe apply to the universe. This is an important assumption and may not be accurate when it comes to the origin of
the universe that the universe had a beginning challenging physical theories, such as the oscillating universe model.
I take an agnostic position on the existence of God. Cosmological claims raise questions about causality and need for explanations showing limitations of human thought when applied to the existence of God or the ultimate cause of the universe. Criticisms of the infinite regress problem point to the inherent difficulties in understanding the concept of a valid, uncaused first cause. Agnosticism recognizes the limits of human knowledge and reasoning about the existence of God neither affirming nor denying the existence of God but recognizes the possibility of a final cause beyond human understanding. Whether God exists or not becomes matters of personal faith and belief based on personal philosophical, religious and spiritual views.
The cosmological argument states that everything that exists has a cause. The universe exists. The universe exists for a reason. As an agnostic, I recognize the questions the cosmological argument raises, but I believe answers may be beyond scope of human reasonings. Whether God exists is a matter of personal belief shaped by one's philosophical and spiritual views.
The cosmological argument presents philosophical views of God's existence stressing needs for final causes or explanations. However, there are also valid criticisms, such as the problem of infinite regression and assumptions about causal relationships. My agnostic position recognizes
limits of human understanding and the deeply personal nature of belief in God. The question of whether God exists remains a deep and open philosophical inquiry.
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