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.