In This Article Edwards Attacks the Cosmological Argument, Specifically Aquinas's

question 9

True/False

In this article Edwards attacks the cosmological argument, specifically Aquinas's causal and contingency versions, holding that the argument fails at several points. Against the causal argument, he argues that the premise asserting the impossibility of an infinite series is false. Even if the argument were sound, he says, it would not prove the existence of a single first cause because a plurality of causes cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, the argument is not helped by the theist's distinction between causes that bring something into existence (causes in fieri) and causes that sustain something in existence (causes in esse). Some defend the causal argument by insisting that even if there were an infinite series of causes, there still must be an ultimate cause of the series as a whole. Edwards counters that such notions rest on the "erroneous assumption that the series is something over and above the members of which it is composed." Against the contingency argument, Edwards maintains that to explain a contingent phenomenon, we do not need to posit a necessary being and that those who make such a demand beg the question at issue.
-According to Edwards, the idea of an infinite regress of causes implies that nothing exists.

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Definitions:

Null Hypothesis

A hypothesis that states there is no significant difference or effect, typically to be tested against an alternative hypothesis.

Expected Number

A statistical term referring to the calculated average or mean value anticipated in a probability distribution or experiment.

Strongly Opposed

Having or expressing a firm disagreement or disapproval.

Proportion

Represents a part or fraction of a whole, usually expressed as a percentage or ratio in statistical contexts.