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

question 1

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.
-Paley says that the consciousness of knowing little need not cause a distrust of that which one does know.

---

Definitions:

Depreciation Expense

Distributing the expense of a physical asset across its lifespan, representing the reduction in its worth as time progresses.

Unearned Revenue

Money received by a company for products or services that have not yet been delivered or completed, considered a liability until the revenue is earned.

Adjusting Entries

Journal entries made in accounting to update the records for expenses and revenues that have accrued but are not yet recorded.

Adjustment Data

Information used to make corrections or changes to financial records and statements, ensuring accurate reporting.