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

question 2

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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.
-Paley proves the existence of a God with restricted features.

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Definitions:

Premature Birth

The birth of a baby before the completion of the normal gestation period, often defined as before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Motor Development

The progression of muscle coordination, strength, and movement patterns that enable physical activities and tasks over the course of a person's life.

Environmental Factors

Aspects of the surroundings that can affect living organisms, including both natural and human-made conditions.

Early Motor Development

The progression of muscular coordination and use of limbs and body in early life stages.