the cosmological argument
- This is a preview of the essay.
To view the full text you must login!
A representation of the cosmological argument can be viewed through the work of Saint Thomas Aquinas. His "Five Ways" are an attempt to coax one towards the true existence of God. Using a posteriori approach, he presents basic knowledge and assumption to enlighten and convince readers that his word is a rational explanation. Aquinas begins quickly with his five explanations of motion,cause,gradation,possibility and necessity, and concludes with governance. Clearly stating, "This is the first way" and continues in this fashion so that each is labeled and explained. I personally question whether the order of these solutions has any meaning or bearing on the strength of his persuasion process, however, each proposal is not entirely dependent on another.
Aquinas begins with Motion and the idea that God would have to be the first mover. Motion, defined by Aquinas, is "nothing else than the reduction of something from potentiality to actuality." Man is obviously an actual being and we are not potentially living and breathing each day. Also we are not a continuum of man creating man...