A. The Kalam Version

Summary

The script explores the Kalam cosmological argument, focusing on William Lane Craig's development of Aquinas's version. It refutes the possibility of an actual infinite universe by using set theory, suggesting the universe must be finite and have had a beginning. Craig argues for a personal God as the first cause, distinguishing between scientific and personal causal explanations, and emphasizing the necessity of a deliberate act by a personal Creator to account for the universe's existence.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Kalam cosmological argument is rooted in Islamic philosophy and has been developed by modern thinkers like William Lane Craig.
• 🌌 It is based on empirical evidence of the cosmos and mathematical reasoning, aiming to conclude that God is the first cause of the universe.
• ❌ The argument denies the possibility of an actual infinite, using set theory to argue that an infinite set cannot logically exist.
• 🔄 The concept of potential infinity is distinguished from actual infinity, with the universe being considered potentially infinite due to successive addition.
• 🚫 The paradox of an actual infinite set is highlighted, where parts are equal to the whole, which is deemed illogical.
• 📖 William Lane Craig uses set theory to argue that the universe cannot be actually infinite and must have had a beginning.
• 🔑 The argument suggests that since the universe is finite and had a beginning, it must have been caused by something.
• 🤔 The first cause is not necessarily a personal God initially; it could be any uncaused entity.
• 🔍 Craig further argues that the first cause must be a personal Creator to explain the deliberate act of creating the universe.
• 🌟 The characteristics of this personal God are eternal, uncaused, incorporeal, timeless, intelligent, and powerful.
• 🧐 Three reasons are given for the first cause being a personal God: the need for a personal explanation, the lack of alternative suggestions, and the necessity of intellect for agent causation.

Q & A

What is the Kalam cosmological argument?

The Kalam cosmological argument is a philosophical argument for the existence of God, which posits that everything that begins to exist has a cause, and therefore the universe must have had a cause, which is identified as God.

How does William Lane Craig's version of the Kalam argument differ from Aquinas's?

While both versions deny the possibility of an infinite regress, Craig's version uses mathematical a priori logic to deny it, whereas Aquinas's version is empirically based.

What does the term 'Kalam' mean and what is its relevance to the argument?

The term 'Kalam' is an Arabic word meaning 'to argue' or 'to discuss'. It is relevant as the argument relies on empirical evidence and mathematical reasoning, reflecting a tradition of discussion and debate.

What is the concept of a 'potential infinite' in the context of the Kalam argument?

A 'potential infinite' refers to something that is continually growing by having one more item added to it, such as time where each day is added to the previous one. It is not truly infinite because it is still in the process of becoming so.

How does the concept of an 'actual infinite' relate to the Kalam argument?

The concept of an 'actual infinite' is used in set theory to describe a complete and unchanging infinite set. The Kalam argument suggests that an actual infinite cannot exist because it leads to paradoxes, implying that the universe cannot be infinite.

What paradox does the idea of an infinite library present in the Kalam argument?

The paradox of an infinite library suggests that if the library is truly infinite, then the number of books with green spines would have to be equal to the number of books with black spines and also equal to the total number of books, which is logically impossible.

Why does the Kalam argument claim that the universe cannot be actually infinite?

The universe cannot be actually infinite because if it were, all events within it would also be infinite, leading to logical inconsistencies such as the number of wars being equal to the total number of events, which is illogical.

What conclusion does the Kalam argument reach about the beginning of the universe?

The Kalam argument concludes that since the universe is not actually infinite and is a collection formed by successive addition, it must have had a finite beginning, requiring a cause.

Why does William Lane Craig argue that the first cause must be a personal God?

Craig argues that the first cause must be a personal God because the universe had a beginning and the cause must be uncaused itself. He also suggests that natural causes are insufficient because they would require the existence of nature before the universe.

What are the characteristics of the personal God proposed by Craig in his Kalam argument?

Craig proposes that the personal God must be eternal, able to create ex nihilo (out of nothing), incorporeal, timeless, intelligent, and powerful to avoid being part of the process that needs explanation.

What are the three reasons Craig gives for the first cause being a personal God?

Craig gives three reasons: 1) Scientific explanations are limited and do not provide a personal explanation; 2) No other entity besides God has the necessary qualities to create the universe; 3) Agent causation requires intellect, implying a personal agent capable of deliberate action.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Introduction to the Kalam Cosmological Argument

The Kalam cosmological argument, as developed by William Lane Craig, is rooted in philosophical traditions from Aristotle and evolved through Islamic philosophy. It seeks to prove that God is the first cause of the universe, relying on both empirical evidence (a posteriori) and mathematical reasoning (a priori). The argument is unique in its two-part structure: first, it denies the possibility of infinite regress through mathematical logic rather than empirical observation, and second, it aims to establish that this first cause is a personal God, something Aquinas struggled to demonstrate.

05:00

♾️ The Concept of Infinite Regress and Potential Infinite

This paragraph explains the difference between actual and potential infinity, focusing on the argument that an infinite regress cannot exist. A potential infinite grows through successive addition but is not infinite yet, whereas an actual infinite is complete and unchanging. Set theory introduces the paradox of an actual infinite, where parts of an infinite set are equal to the whole, leading philosophers to argue against its logical existence. Lane Craig uses this mathematical reasoning to claim that the universe cannot be infinite, as an infinite universe would never reach the present day, yet we have arrived at today.

🚪 The Necessity of a First Cause

Since the universe cannot be infinite, it must have had a beginning, and anything that begins must have a cause. The idea that nothing can cause itself is emphasized, leading to the conclusion that the universe had a first cause. However, at this stage, Craig's argument does not yet establish this first cause as a personal God; it could be any uncaused cause. The paragraph sets the stage for Craig's further argument that the first cause must be a personal Creator, as the universe could not have been caused by impersonal natural laws, which did not exist before the universe.

👤 The First Cause as a Personal Creator

Craig argues that the first cause must be a personal Creator, not a result of natural forces, because natural laws didn’t exist prior to the universe. He outlines the qualities this personal being must possess, including timelessness, incorporeality, intelligence, and immense power—qualities that align with the God of classical theism. Craig gives three reasons for this conclusion: personal causation is needed to explain the universe, no other candidate has the necessary attributes, and agent causation requires intellect and will, which only a personal being can have. Thus, Craig concludes that God is the most reasonable explanation.

Keywords

💡Cosmological Argument

The Cosmological Argument is a philosophical argument that attempts to demonstrate the existence of God through reasoning about the nature of the universe. In the video, it is discussed in the context of the Kalam Cosmological Argument, which is derived from Aristotle and further developed by thinkers such as William Lane Craig. The argument posits that everything that begins to exist has a cause, and thus the universe must have had a cause, leading to the conclusion of a first cause, which is identified as God.

💡Kalam

Kalam is an Arabic word meaning 'to argue' or 'to discuss'. In the video, it refers to a specific version of the Cosmological Argument that originated in the Islamic world and is based on both empirical evidence and mathematical reasoning. The Kalam argument is used to argue that the universe had a beginning and thus must have a first cause, which is identified as God.

💡Aristotle

Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher whose ideas have influenced Western philosophy significantly. In the context of the video, his philosophical contributions are foundational to the Kalam Cosmological Argument, particularly the idea that the universe had a beginning and cannot be infinite in the past.

💡William Lane Craig

William Lane Craig is a modern American Christian philosopher and theologian mentioned in the video as a significant figure in the development of the Kalam Cosmological Argument. His work focuses on defending the existence of God through logical and empirical arguments, and he has contributed to the argument by providing a contemporary perspective on why the universe must have a first cause.

💡Infinite Regress

Infinite Regress refers to the idea that a sequence of causes and effects could go back infinitely without ever reaching a first cause. The video argues against this concept by stating that an actual infinite is impossible because it leads to logical paradoxes, such as the one involving an infinite library. Therefore, the universe must have had a beginning to avoid an infinite regress.

💡Actual Infinite

An Actual Infinite is a concept in set theory that refers to a collection of things that is already infinite and does not grow towards infinity. In the video, it is used to argue against the possibility of an infinite universe, as it would lead to paradoxes where parts are equal to the whole, which is considered illogical.

💡Potential Infinite

A Potential Infinite is a concept that refers to something that is continually growing by having one more item added to it, such as time adding one day after another. The video uses this concept to argue that the universe is potentially infinite, as it grows by successive addition of moments, but it is not an actual infinite, which implies that it must have had a beginning.

💡First Cause

The First Cause is a term used in the Cosmological Argument to refer to the initial cause or agent responsible for the beginning of the universe. The video argues that since the universe is not an actual infinite and must have had a beginning, there must be a first cause. This first cause is later identified as a personal God in the argument.

💡Personal God

A Personal God is a concept in theism that refers to a deity with personal attributes such as consciousness, will, and the ability to make choices. In the video, it is argued that the first cause of the universe must be a personal God, as only a personal being with intellect and will could deliberately create the universe.

💡Agent Causation

Agent Causation is the idea that an agent or a being with agency is necessary to cause certain events or changes. In the video, it is used to argue that the first cause of the universe must be a personal God with intellect and will, as an impersonal force would lack the ability to choose and act deliberately to create the universe.

💡Classical Theism

Classical Theism refers to a traditional view of God that includes attributes such as being eternal, incorporeal, timeless, intelligent, and powerful. The video argues that the personal God who is identified as the first cause of the universe must possess these attributes to avoid being part of the chain of cause and effect within the universe.

Highlights

The cosmological argument is considered with reference to William Lane Craig's version, which is derived from Aristotle and evolved via the Islamic World.

Kalam is an Arabic word for argue or discuss and relies on empirical evidence and mathematical reasoning.

The argument aims to conclude that God is the first cause of the universe.

The Kalam version denies the possibility of infinite regress, using mathematical a priori logic.

The concept of actual infinite is discussed, which refers to a set with an infinite number of members that is complete at all times.

The paradox of an actual infinite set is presented, where parts are equal to the whole, which is considered illogical.

The universe is considered to be potentially infinite, growing by successive addition, and not actually infinite.

The argument posits that the universe cannot be actually infinite because we have reached the present day.

If the universe were actually infinite, all events within it would also be infinite, which is deemed illogical.

The universe is finite and must have had a beginning, as things that begin require a cause.

The argument shows the necessity to deny infinite regress and suggests the universe must have had a first cause.

The first cause is not yet identified as a personal God at this stage of the argument.

William Lane Craig argues that the universe's beginning must be the result of a personal Creator.

The possible causes of the universe's beginning are discussed, including natural and personal causes.

Craig argues that the first cause could not be natural since there were no rules of nature before the universe existed.

The first cause is suggested to be a personal being who deliberately calls the universe into existence.

The personal being must be eternal, incorporeal, timeless, intelligent, and powerful.

Craig gives three reasons why the first cause must be a personal God: the need for a personal explanation, the lack of alternative suggestions, and the necessity of agent causation.

Agent causation implies that the first cause must have intellect and the ability to choose to act.

Transcripts

the educas specification requires us to

consider the cam cosmological argument

with particular reference to William

Lane Craig like aquinas's version the

Kalam version is derived from Aristotle

but has evolved via the Islamic World

William Lane Craig as a modern American

Christian philosopher has developed this

argument

further Kalam is an Arabic word which

means argue or discuss it is a

posteriori in the sense that it relies

upon empirical evidence of the cosmos

and the phenomena within it in order to

come to its

conclusions however it does also use

reasoning derived from the world of

mathematics and as a result elements of

it are a priori in

nature ultimately it aims to come to the

conclusion that God is the first cause

of the universe

in particular there are two parts to the

colam version of the cosmological

argument firstly it denies the

possibility of infinite

regress this it has in common with

aquinas's version of course however the

reason it denies this is mathematical a

priori logic rather than empirically

based secondly this argument tries to

give us a reason to accept that this is

a personal God that this is the first CA

of the

universe this is something that aquinus

had struggled to

do to begin with the cam version looks

at the issue of infinite regress to say

that that something is infinite means

that it is endless or Limitless

something that is growing continually by

having one more item added to it is

known as successive addition or a

potential infinite it is not really

infinite yet

because it is being added

to it is possible to think of time as

being potentially infinite as one more

day is continually added onto the

previous one we exist within a

potentially infinite Universe because as

time passes each day is added on from

the last each hour is added to the last

and so on a potential infinite grows and

develops but isn't actually infinite

this would mean that this Universe isn't

actually

infinite actual infinite is a concept

found in set theory it refers to

collections of things with an infinite

number of members it is not growing

towards Infinity because it is infinite

already a part within an actual infinite

set is equal to the whole set because it

is infinite some philosophers such as

those who argue for the cam argument for

God's existence would say that an in

actual infinite set cannot exist because

you cannot add or subtract from an

actual infinite since it would always

remain the same number infinite an

actual infinite is complete at all times

and many philosophers regard this as

illogical to give an example if you were

to imagine an infinite Library the

number of books within it would be

infinite the books with green spines

would have to be equal to the number of

books with black spines yet the books

with green spines would also be equal to

the complete number of books in the

entire Library this is a paradox it

cannot be true as it is illogical yet it

cannot not be true either if the library

is actually infinite I couldn't take a

book out of this Library if I did there

would still be an infinite number of

books in it equally I cannot return a

book and add to its number as the number

of book books would remain the same as a

result of this Paradox many scholars

argue that there can be no such thing as

an actual infinite this means that the

Universe cannot be actually

infinite Lane Craig uses this idea of

set theory in order to formulate his cam

version the history of the universe was

formed by one event following on after

another event this is successive

addition and is not actually infinite

in an actual infinite Universe we would

never reach today yet we clearly have

reached today so the universe cannot be

infinite this universe cannot be

actually infinite because if it were all

events within it would also be infinite

this would mean that for instance there

would be as many wars as there were

other events put together and this is

illogical all this means that the

universe is a collection that is formed

by successive

addition it therefore must be finite

since it cannot be

infinite since it is finite it must have

had a beginning and things that begin

are caused to begin nothing can cause

itself as this is also illogical nothing

can be the cause of itself since it

would have to exist before it existed in

order to bring itself about the universe

then must have had a first

cause this is the first part of argument

which shows that it is necessary to deny

infinite

regress however at present this first

cause does not have to be a personal god

with any of the theistic characteristics

it could be anything that it is uncaused

itself so Len Craig's cam has to do

more Craig here wants to prove that the

beginning of the universe must be as a

result of a personal Creator he has

already demonstrated that the Universe

must have had a

beginning now if the universe had a

beginning it is necessary to establish

what the possible causes must have been

Craig shows that the two Clear Choices

are either it occurred as a result of

natural in personal causes or that it

was a personal cause that acted

deliberately out of

choice Craig argues that the idea that

the first cause was not personal but was

natural seems to be

logical this is because the beginning of

the universe was the beginning of

everything in this case there couldn't

have been any rules of nature before the

universe existed since nature didn't

exist and there were no laws of it the

laws of nature describe what happens

within nature but they don't exist

independently of nature this means they

cannot have existed before nature did

this leaves us with the option of the

first cause being a personal being who

deliberately calls the universe this

personal being must be very close to the

god of classical

theism firstly God must be Eternal in

order to avoid being part of the chain

of successive addition this God must

have created EXO out of nothing he must

also be incorporeal timeless intelligent

and Powerful in order to avoid being

part of the whole process that we are

trying trying to account for these

qualities are all qualities of the god

of classical

theism Craig gives three reasons why the

first cause must be a personal God

firstly he points out that there are two

kinds of causal explanations there are

the scientific explanations such as the

Big Bang which are fine as far as they

go but they are limited according to

science there can be nothing before this

event but this does not give any kind of

personal

explanation a deliberate act by a

personal Creator is the only explanation

which accounts for

both secondly Craig points out that

there is nothing else that anyone has

been able to suggest that would have the

qualities that are necessary to create

the universe other than God God is the

only being capable of causing the

universe that can also have necessary

existence can exist outside time and

space and be able to deliberately Act to

bring the universe about in the absence

of other possibilities God is a

reasonable

conclusion finally Craig appeals to

agent causation he points out that in

order to be a first cause and bring the

universe about the infinite agent must

have intellect this is because if it

were impersonal it would be unable to

act this means that such an agent must

have the ability to choose to act

according to its own own will in order

to bring the universe into existence