PHIL1003 Lecture 5: Lecture 5A - The Design Argument
Document Summary
Dominant idea of god in western civilisation, associated with judeo-christian tradition. Arguments for and against the existence of god. God is creator and sustainer of the universe, but not part of it or subject to its laws. God judges and guides creations to fulfil purpose. God is personal (can know and will things and has interest in his creations). Self-existent (not dependent on anything else for existence). God can do anything that is logically possible. This incudes miracles: violations of the laws of nature. So god can turn us all instantaneously into profound mathematicians, but cannot make 2+3=6. Can find the perfect woman for ugly henry, but cannot create a married bachelor. God cannot do anything that conflicts with his other attributes - e. g. committing suicide or evil deeds. Can god create a stone that he can"t lift? (paradox of omnipotence). God is perfectly good, deserving of the highest praise. Good in both the moral and non-moral sense.
