The Cosmological Argument originates from Greek philosophy, but it very much remains today despite some modern skepticism. The Cosmological Argument seeks to establish the existence of a self-existent being, and further prove that this said being is a theistic God. The first part of the argument states that all beings are either dependent or self-existent. Since every being cannot be dependent, there must be a self-existent being. The second part of the argument explains how there must be a first being to begin any causal series. If all beings were dependent, who would've began this series? This provides more explanation to the idea that not all beings can be dependent. The Cosmological Argument relies on the idea that one believes everything has an explanation or reason for existence, perhaps this is not the case. Those who subscribe to beliefs based in scientific reasoning can agree that the Big Bang is currently the best explanation for the cause of our universe. However, if we ask ourselves: "What/who caused the Big Bang?", the possible answers tend to be a little foggy. We could also ask if it is even necessary for us to find the causal source of it anyway. If we come to the conclusion that God caused the Big Bang, then what or who caused God to cause the Big Bang? I do agree with the claim that whatever reality is 'ultimate' must have sufficient reason of existence within itself. Many people refer to this as 'God', however we could also refer to this as 'the universe' or 'nature' with the exact same validity.
Udayana states that there are seven ways to prove that God is in existence; effects, atomic combination, suspension, human skills, authoritative knowledge, Revelation, and atoms. He also calls Him the "all-knowing, imperishable God." He is imperishable God because he is the only one who could create atoms because humans are not able to. Also, humans can not break atoms or destroy them and he is stating that the only person that can do that is God because he created atoms. He mentions the difference between the cause and effect to validate if there is a God. He brings up the argument that "Things like the earth must have a cause, because they are produced by a body (101)." Some deity had to have made the earth for their pleasure. He also relies on objections to prove that God is real. Udayana does bring up good ideas to prove that God is real. The best argument to me is that he created atoms. Humans are unable to destroy atoms or to create them; so they had to be...
I have to agree with you on some of your main points and I think your reasoning behind everything is substantial and defining of what you are trying to portray.
ReplyDeleteI especially admire the fact that you mention "whatever reality is 'ultimate' must have sufficient reason of existence within itself."