The cosmological argument is an a priori argument for God’s existence that moves from premises to conclusion without direct appeal to evidence. It comprises one of Aquinas’ five ways for establishing the probability of God’s existence. David Hume attacks all arguments for the existence of God in his Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion – a debate between characters who take slightly different positions on the issues arising. The key documents are hyperlinked below and there is also a hyperlink to Michale Palmer’s excellent textbook (see chapter 2) which you can read and note online. PB

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2. The Existence of God: Cosmological Argument

Learners will study contrasting arguments about the existence or non-existence of God.

2.1 Content

• the cosmological argument
• challenges to arguments from observation

2.2 Knowledge

• details of this argument including reference to:
– Aquinas’ first three ways
• details of Hume’s criticisms of this argument for the existence of God from natural religion

2.3 Issues as the basis of exam questions

Learners should have the opportunity to discuss issues related to arguments for the existence of God based on observation, including:
• whether a posteriori or a priori is the more persuasive style of argument
• whether cosmological arguments simply jump to the conclusion of a transcendent creator, without sufficient explanation
• whether or not there are logical fallacies in these arguments that cannot be overcome

2.4 Suggested scholarly views, academic approaches and sources of wisdom and authority

For reference, the ideas of Aquinas and Hume listed above can be found in:
• Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, I.2.3
• Hume, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion Part II

Learners will be given credit for referring to any appropriate scholarly views, academic approaches and sources of wisdom and authority, however the following example may prove useful:
• Palmer, M. (2002) The Question of God, Routledge, Chapters 2 and 3