Research Paper Instructions. Due: December 2, 2020, By Midni

Research Paper Instructions. Due: December 2, 2020, by midnight Length: 8-10 pages

Students are required to write a research paper on "God's Existence" in philosophy. The research paper grade includes a title, abstract, and final submission. The paper is roughly 8-10 pages in length and all citations must be made in Chicago Manual Style (CMS). Do not use more than two philosophers.

A good paper should do the following: introduce a specific philosophical problem to be discussed; thoroughly explain the philosophical arguments; utilize quotations appropriately for interpreting complex arguments; use clear statements and syntax; have a clear thesis; discuss potential counterarguments and address key assumptions; define important terms; cite sources for quotations, paraphrasing, or references; and include a bibliography following CMS guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The question of God's existence has persisted as one of the most profound and debated topics within philosophical discourse. It raises fundamental questions about the nature of reality, the existence of a divine being, and the implications of belief or disbelief. This paper aims to explore the philosophical arguments surrounding the existence of God, critically analyze their strength and weaknesses, and consider counterarguments that challenge traditional theistic claims. The discussion will primarily focus on two influential philosophers—namely, Thomas Aquinas and David Hume—and their contributions to this enduring debate.

Introduction

The philosophical inquiry into God's existence encompasses various arguments, each attempting to establish the rational basis for belief in a divine being. These include classical arguments such as the Cosmological, Teleological, and Moral arguments, alongside contemporary critiques. The core problem addressed in this paper is whether the evidence and reasoning presented by these arguments convincingly support the existence of God or whether they are susceptible to significant philosophical objections. Establishing a clear thesis involves evaluating the strength of these arguments and examining whether they are sufficient grounds for belief or whether skepticism remains warranted.

Philosophical Arguments for God's Existence

The Cosmological argument, notably advanced by Thomas Aquinas, asserts that the existence of the universe necessitates a first uncaused cause, identified as God. Aquinas argues that every effect must have a cause, and since an infinite regress is impossible, there must be an initial cause that is itself uncaused — that is, God. As Aquinas phrases it, "there must exist a first efficient cause, upon which all subsequent causes depend" (Aquinas, Summa Theologica, I, q. 2, a. 3). This argument relies heavily on the principle of sufficient reason and the assumption that the universe requires explanation outside itself.

The Teleological argument, or argument from design, is famously associated with William Paley and elaborates on the apparent apparent order and purpose observed in nature. Paley depicts the complexity of biological structures, such as the human eye, as evidence of intentional design by an intelligent designer—God. He states, “When such a device as the eye is so wonderfully complex, the conclusion that it was designed by a Maker is inevitable” (Paley, Natural Theology, 1802). Critics have challenged this view by proposing natural selection as an alternative explanation, which will be considered below.

The Moral argument, notably championed by Immanuel Kant and C.S. Lewis, suggests that moral laws and a moral order imply a moral Lawgiver. Kant posits that moral duties and the sense of moral obligation are best explained by the existence of a divine overseeing lawgiver. Lewis argues that moral values are objective and require a source beyond human subjective experience, namely God, to underpin their objectivity (Lewis, Mere Christianity, 1952).

Key Counterarguments and Criticisms

David Hume offers significant philosophical critiques against classical theistic arguments. His critique of the Cosmological and Teleological arguments emphasizes the problem of inductive reasoning and the limitations of human understanding concerning causality and design. Hume questions whether the universe's complexity necessarily implies a divine designer, suggesting instead that the universe could be a matter of chance or natural laws without a benevolent creator (Hume, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, 1779).

Moreover, Hume points out that the analogy used in design arguments is flawed because natural objects are not sufficiently similar to human artifacts to justify inferring a benevolent designer. Additionally, Hume raises the problem of evil as an evidential challenge to the existence of an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God—since the presence of evil in the world contradicts traditional theistic claims. This argument undermines the rational justification for belief based on an assumption of divine goodness and omnipotence (Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748).

Discussion of Key Assumptions and Definitions

This investigation assumes that definitions of God's qualities—such as omnipotence, omniscience, and moral perfection—are coherent and that philosophical arguments aim to establish the logical possibility or probability of God's existence. Clarifying these terms is vital because different conceptualizations can significantly influence the strength of arguments. For example, 'God' as a necessary being is different from a deistic or personal conception, affecting how arguments are formulated and evaluated.

Analysis and Evaluation

Both the Cosmological and Teleological arguments have compelling intuitive appeal and have historically served as foundational for theistic belief. The cosmological argument's reliance on causality and contingency provides a rational basis for positing a necessary being—God—as the ultimate cause. Similarly, the design argument appeals to observable complexity and order, which many interpret as evidence of intentional creation.

However, these arguments face significant criticisms, chiefly from Hume and more recent naturalistic explanations. The problem with the cosmological argument lies in the assumption that every effect must have a cause and that the chain of causality must begin with a necessary being. Critics question whether this is a warranted inference, particularly given the limits of human knowledge. Likewise, the design argument's reliance on analogy and inference to the best explanation is challenged by the theory of evolution, which provides a naturalistic account of biological complexity without requiring divine intervention.

The moral argument's strength depends on the assumption that objective moral values require a moral lawgiver. Yet, some ethicists argue that moral objectivity can be grounded in social contracts or evolutionary processes, thereby reducing reliance on theological explanations. Moreover, the presence of moral evil and suffering complicates the assumption of a benevolent God, raising the classic problem of evil.

Counterarguments and Alternatives

While classical theistic arguments face challenges, some contemporary philosophers defend modified or nuanced versions. For instance, the fine-tuning argument emphasizes the precise balance of physical constants necessary for life, suggesting an intelligent tuner behind the universe (Carter, 2000). Also, process theology and pantheistic perspectives provide alternative conceptions of God that do not require omnipotence or perfect goodness but still address questions of divine existence.

Conclusion

The debate over God's existence remains complex and nuanced, with compelling arguments on both sides. Classical arguments like the Cosmological and Teleological continue to influence philosophical inquiry, but their vulnerabilities—especially in light of modern scientific explanations—highlight the importance of careful analysis and open-minded skepticism. While philosophical reasoning offers valuable insights, the question ultimately intertwines with theological commitments and personal beliefs. Accordingly, rational inquiry supports the possibility of God's existence but does not conclusively prove it, leaving open the space for faith, scientific understanding, and philosophical reflection.

References

• Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1947.
• Carter, B. (2000). “The Anthropic Principle and the Design Argument,” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.
• Hume, David. Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion. Edited by Norman Kemp Smith. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1983.
• Hume, David. An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1748.
• Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. New York: HarperOne, 1952.
• Paley, William. Natural Theology. London: R. and J. Dodsley, 1802.
• Russell, Bertrand. Why I Am Not a Christian. London: Allen & Unwin, 1957.
• Swinburne, Richard. The Christian God. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1994.
• Plantinga, Alvin. The Nature of Necessity. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1974.
• Morris, Christopher. The Logic of God. New York: Fordham University Press, 1983.