Philosophy & ethics · Higher
Arguments for the Existence of God
Philosophical arguments try to support belief with reason. Know the argument, a criticism, and a possible response.
Classic arguments
• **Design (teleological)** – order and purpose in the world suggest a designer
• **First cause (cosmological)** – everything caused; chain points to an uncaused cause (God)
• **Religious experience** – personal encounter as evidence for the individual
• Criticisms: evolution/chance; infinite regress questions; experiences may be psychological
Belief and unbelief
• Faith as trust beyond proof for many believers
• Atheist and humanist views: morality and meaning without God
• Science and religion: conflict, independence, or integration models
• Evaluate how far arguments succeed – not only describe them
Practice questions
1. What is the design argument?
2. Give one criticism of religious experience as proof.