disproving-descartes-cosmological-causal-argument-for-the-existence-of-god

/in /by

attached outline

  • you must write a minimum of 750 words
    • You will not be penalized for writing too much – but this should be avoided
  • You must cite [at least] one primary source
    • You must correctly format your citation
    • You will also be required to include a bibliography
  • Bonus/extra credit for citing secondary
    • This is not required for the first draft (will be required for final revision)
    • Up to 5% (half letter grade) increase
      • Will depend on relevance of citation and proper formatting
  • This is a draft essay – so it can be vague in places – but it must still be a complete essay
    • It must have an introduction, body, and conclusion
    • It must be written in a formal, academic tone
    • You must use correct spelling and grammar

2.Descartes’ cosmological/causal argument for the existence of God. Give a careful and accurate account of the skepticism used in “Meditation One” to doubt the existence of the material world. This is required in order to explain the cosmological (sometimes called “causal”) argument presented in “Meditation Three.” Does the argument successfully prove the existence of God? Spoiler: it does not—However, refuting this argument is not an easy task. Don’t forget that our book contains (at the end) a set of objections and replies, in which scholars challenged Descartes’ arguments, and Descartes responds to those challenges. If you have a counterargument, it has probably already been raised and addressed (this is not a problem, but should be acknowledged).

The most reasonable texts for this prompt would be Parmenides, Descartes, and Hume. You could also use Amo and/or X unzi. •Carefully present an argument from one text

•Choose a text addressing the same (or a similar) problem

o Present that argument

•Explain how these arguments address the same (or a similar) problem

o This could be a similarity recognized in one or both texts

o One you have encountered in secondary literature

o Or one either presented in class or that you have discovered on your own

•Discuss the relative pros and cons of each text’s treatment of the problem

•Conclude whether…

o One text is more successful than the other

Does this mean the less successful text completely fails?

Or does the better solution improve the less successful solution?

o Might a third solution arise from the conflict?