Barry's Blog

The Cosmological Argument
(Approach of Philosophical Inference)

September 9, 2007

Here is a simple form of this argument that I recommend each student memorizing (note: although the form is simple, enough, the explanation and understanding of it is a bit more complex). In actuality, this form goes beyond the basic “cosmological argument” and takes the step to actually assert something about the first cause being the God of the Bible.

...

1. Some limited, changing being(s) exist.
2. The present existence of every limited, changing being is caused by another.
3. There cannot be an infinite regress of causes of being.
4. Therefore, there is a first cause of the present existence of these beings.
5. This first cause must be infinite, necessary, eternal, unchanging and one.
6. This first uncaused cause is identical with the God of the Bible.
7. Therefore, the God of the Bible exists.

Other forms/types of the argument

1. Every finite and contingent being has a cause.
2. Nothing finite and dependant (contingent) can cause itself.
3. A causal chain cannot be of infinite length.
4. Therefore, there must be a first cause; or, there must be something that is not an effect.

1. If something exists, there must exist what it takes for that thing to exist.
2. The universe - the collection of beings in space and time - exists.
3. Therefore, there must exist what it takes for the universe to exist.
4. What it takes for the universe to exist cannot exist within the universe or be bounded by space and time.
5. Therefore, what it takes for the universe to exist must transcend both space and time.

Kalam cosmological argument

1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause.
2. The universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the universe had a cause.
   
   Also, you may add the following point -
4. Since no scientific explanation (in terms of physical laws) can provide a causal account of the origin of the universe, the cause must be personal (explanation is given in terms of a personal agent)