PHIL101 EXAM #2 STUDY GUIDE
3 Sets of Proofs for God
1. Ontological
2. Cosmological
3. Teleological
Ontological Argument
The argument that God, being defined as most great or perfect, must exist, since a God
who exists is greater than a God who does not; purely logical proof; most difficult
Descartes
(1596-1650) French philosopher, discovered analytical geometry. Saw Algebra and
Geometry have a direct relationship. Reduced everything to spiritual or physical. Father
of modern philosophy. "Mind like Plato, Topics like Aristotle"
On The Ontological Argument
Written by St. Anselm; first clear formulated ontological argument; 11th century
St. Anselm
Father of Scholasticism; Archbishop of Canterbury; wrote Monologion, Prosiogion; faith
and reason go together, "doesn't make sense not to believe in God", God must have put
the thought of Him in our minds
Faith seeking reason
Motto of medieval philosophy
Aquinas
, Italian theologian and Doctor of the Church who is remembered for his attempt to
reconcile faith and reason in a comprehensive theology; Dominican Order; 5 proofs
called "Ways'
Aquinas' Five Ways
Proofs for God
1. For motion and change
2. Efficient cause
3. From possibility and necessity
4. From gradation
5. Governance
Blaise Pascal
A French mathematician and scientist. He believed that religious faith was necessary
because reason alone could not satisfy peoples, hopes and aspiration. "Religious faith
better bet than atheism"; "wagers"; studied Aquinas
Wager
A bet about God
The Problem of Evil
The difficulty of reconciling the existence of suffering and other evils in the world with
the existence of God
Intelligent Design
The belief that the work and plan of God is observable in nature, thus confirming his
existence and continued role in creation.
3 Sets of Proofs for God
1. Ontological
2. Cosmological
3. Teleological
Ontological Argument
The argument that God, being defined as most great or perfect, must exist, since a God
who exists is greater than a God who does not; purely logical proof; most difficult
Descartes
(1596-1650) French philosopher, discovered analytical geometry. Saw Algebra and
Geometry have a direct relationship. Reduced everything to spiritual or physical. Father
of modern philosophy. "Mind like Plato, Topics like Aristotle"
On The Ontological Argument
Written by St. Anselm; first clear formulated ontological argument; 11th century
St. Anselm
Father of Scholasticism; Archbishop of Canterbury; wrote Monologion, Prosiogion; faith
and reason go together, "doesn't make sense not to believe in God", God must have put
the thought of Him in our minds
Faith seeking reason
Motto of medieval philosophy
Aquinas
, Italian theologian and Doctor of the Church who is remembered for his attempt to
reconcile faith and reason in a comprehensive theology; Dominican Order; 5 proofs
called "Ways'
Aquinas' Five Ways
Proofs for God
1. For motion and change
2. Efficient cause
3. From possibility and necessity
4. From gradation
5. Governance
Blaise Pascal
A French mathematician and scientist. He believed that religious faith was necessary
because reason alone could not satisfy peoples, hopes and aspiration. "Religious faith
better bet than atheism"; "wagers"; studied Aquinas
Wager
A bet about God
The Problem of Evil
The difficulty of reconciling the existence of suffering and other evils in the world with
the existence of God
Intelligent Design
The belief that the work and plan of God is observable in nature, thus confirming his
existence and continued role in creation.
