Arguments Inspired by St. Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways

First Thomistic Cosmological Argument

1. I exist now.
2. Every thing that exists has a cause.
3. Causes precede their effects.
4. Therefore, (1) & (2) & (3). [1,2,3 Conj.]
5. If (1) & (2) & (3), then there was a uncaused first cause.
6. If there was an uncaused first cause, then God exists.
7. Therefore, God exists. [4,5,6 MMP]

• Be able to provide a rationale for each of the premises.
• The argument is valid, but is it sound? Be able to present a criticism of this argument that is not based upon a rejection of premise (6).

Second Thomistic Cosmological Argument

1. I exist now.
2. Every thing that exists has a cause.
3. Causes precede their effects.
4. Therefore, (1) & (2) & (3). [1,2,3 Conj.]
5. If (1) & (2) & (3), then there was a self-caused first cause.
6. If there was a self-caused first cause, then God exists.
7. Therefore, God exists. [4,5,6 MMP]

• Be able to provide a rationale for each of the premises.
• The argument is valid, but is it sound? Be able to present a criticism of this argument that is not based upon a rejection of premise (6).

Third Thomistic Cosmological Argument (The Real Deal)

D1: x is a contingent thing =df. x exists but it would be possible for x to fail to exist.

D2: x is a non-contingent (or necessary) thing =df. x exists and it would be impossible for x to fail to exist.

1. I exist now and I am a contingent thing.
2. Every contingent thing that exists has a cause.
3. Causes precede their effects.
4. Therefore, (1) & (2) & (3). [1,2,3 Conj.]
5. If (1) & (2) & (3), then there was a non-contingent first cause.
6. If there was a non-contingent first cause, then God exists.
7. Therefore, God exists. [4,5,6 MMP]

• Be able to provide a rationale for each of the premises.
• Be able to present a substantial objection to premise (5) (Leibniz's objection).
• Be able to present the deist's objection to premise (6).