Active learning ideas
Cosmological arguments seek to explain the existence of the universe by tracing it back to a 'First Cause' or a 'Necessary Being'. Students focus on Aquinas' First Way (Motion) and Third Way (Contingency), as well as Descartes' version. The topic delves into deep metaphysical questions about the nature of causation and the possibility of an infinite regress.
Activity 01
Using a physical or digital domino run, students model the concept of a 'First Cause'. They must then discuss what happens if the line of dominoes is infinite and whether a 'starting push' is logically required for the system to exist at all.
Is an infinite regress of causes logically impossible?
Activity 02
Students are given examples like 'every human has a mother, so the human race must have a mother'. They discuss in pairs why this logic is flawed and then apply this 'fallacy of composition' to the cosmological argument's claim about the universe.
Does the universe require a necessary being to explain its existence?
Activity 03
Students act as 'prosecutors' arguing that the universe must have a cause (using Leibniz or Aquinas) and 'defenders' arguing the universe is just a 'brute fact' (using Russell). A jury of students decides which side has the more logical 'sufficient reason'.
Does the cosmological argument successfully prove the God of classical theism?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The cosmological argument says 'everything has a cause'.
Most versions actually say 'everything that begins to exist' or 'every contingent thing' has a cause. Using peer-checking of syllogisms helps students spot this vital distinction that allows God to be uncaused.
Infinite regress is just a 'long time'.
Infinite regress is a logical problem where an explanation is never completed. Using a 'chain of mirrors' analogy in small groups helps students see why an infinite series might fail to provide a foundation for existence.
Methods used in this brief
The Concept and Nature of God
Students examine the traditional divine attributes, including omniscience, omnipotence, and supreme goodness. They will analyse the logical coherence of these concepts and potential paradoxes.
8 methodologies
Ontological Arguments
An exploration of a priori arguments for God's existence, focusing on Anselm, Descartes, and Malcolm. Students will evaluate criticisms from Gaunilo and Kant.
8 methodologies
Teleological Arguments
Students analyse design arguments from Aquinas, Paley, and Swinburne. The topic includes critical evaluation using Hume's objections and the theory of evolution.
8 methodologies