Ed, which are the proofs that are not in your Five Proofs book? My guess is that one of them is Aquinas's fifth way, and I would not be surprised if Aquinas's fourth way is also there.
Hi Tim, what I cover in the series are the arguments discussed in the book (from Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Aquinas, and Leibniz) plus Avicenna's contingency argument
Ah, nice to see Avicenna's argument included! Ever since I first became acquainted with his argument (from this blog, I think), I've thought it particularly interesting and innovative, as it seems to depart from the structure that a lot of variants of the cosmological argument share. (Likewise, I particularly enjoyed the Augustinian proof in Five Proofs, in part I think because it seemed so different from the others).
My favorite argument for the existence of God is Einstein’s argument: The harmony of the universe REVEALS the existence of a superior mind. Could anyone please tell me into which category this argument falls.
The scientists’ religious feeling takes the form of a rapturous amazement at the harmony of natural law, which reveals an intelligence of such superiority that, compared with it, all the systematic thinking and acting of human beings is an utterly insignificant reflection.
Albert Einstein. From "The Religious Spirit of Science". 1934
That's awesome, Ed! Loved the initiative!
ReplyDeleteEd, which are the proofs that are not in your Five Proofs book? My guess is that one of them is Aquinas's fifth way, and I would not be surprised if Aquinas's fourth way is also there.
ReplyDeleteHi Tim, what I cover in the series are the arguments discussed in the book (from Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Aquinas, and Leibniz) plus Avicenna's contingency argument
DeleteThanks for the clarification, Ed. Avicenna's argument is helpful for those who deny the impossibility of an infinite regress of hierarchical causes.
DeleteAh, nice to see Avicenna's argument included! Ever since I first became acquainted with his argument (from this blog, I think), I've thought it particularly interesting and innovative, as it seems to depart from the structure that a lot of variants of the cosmological argument share. (Likewise, I particularly enjoyed the Augustinian proof in Five Proofs, in part I think because it seemed so different from the others).
DeleteCongratulations, Dr Feser.
ReplyDeleteI am into it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite argument for the existence of God is Einstein’s argument: The harmony of the universe REVEALS the existence of a superior mind. Could anyone please tell me into which category this argument falls.
ReplyDeleteInto de trash category, that's baby stuff pal. Read a real book.
DeleteThe scientists’ religious feeling takes the form of a rapturous amazement at the harmony of natural law, which reveals an intelligence of such superiority that, compared with it, all the systematic thinking and acting of human beings is an utterly insignificant reflection.
DeleteAlbert Einstein. From "The Religious Spirit of Science". 1934
Anonymous @1:26
DeleteIt's your rude remark that belongs in the trash, pal.
So glad to discover the 'Word on Fire Institute' via this blog. Started on Ed's course! Thank you.
ReplyDelete-Wm. F. Brown Forest, VA
Great to see Avicenna getting some love, can't wait for that lesson!
ReplyDelete@arvinslackofstudying Good username.
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