Join Dr. Laura Garcia as she navigates through the biggest question of philosophy: “does God exist?” In this series, you will encounter various arguments for God’s existence. Dr. Garcia will begin by making a case for the existence of God and considering whether the case actually supports the conclusion. A philosophical argument appeals to various reasons. As in a court, we must first begin with a claim, we then argue our case and draw various reasons to support our position. In this current study, the claim is that God exists, and our arguments will seek to support this claim.
The Catholic Church has always taught that it’s possible to know that God exists on the basis of reason alone. St. Paul specifically mentions this in his letter to the Romans. He argues that the pagans are without excuse because God’s existence can be known simply by observing the natural world.
While it is not necessary for a theist to have a proof for the existence of God in order to hold his position, having a “reason for the hope that he has” (1 Peter 3:15) can tremendously strengthen his faith. There is a natural desire within each of us to know the reasons behind what we observe, and what we believe.
Whether you are seeking to strengthen your faith, trying to defend your beliefs against atheist opposition, or looking to be convinced of theism, “Proofs for the Existence of God” will not disappoint. You will discover the reasons behind the greatest arguments for God’s existence including St. Thomas’ famous Cosmological Argument, St. Anselms’ Ontological Argument, and many more. Join Dr. Garcia on this deeply educational journey and satisfy your desire to know.
- The Philosopher’s Only Tool
In this first lecture, we will begin discussing the importance of the question, “Does God exist?” - The Ontological Argument for God’s Existence
Here, we are introduced to St. Anselm’s deductive argument referred to as “The Ontological Argument,” which proceeds from the idea of God to the reality of God - "that than which nothing greater can be conceived." - The Cosmological Argument
Unlike Anselm’s argument that begins with a definition of God, Aquinas’ “Cosmological Arguments” begin with certain empirical truths about our ordinary experience. - Criticisms of The Cosmological Argument
We begin to look more closely at the premises laid out for Aquinas’ cosmological argument to determine whether the argument is sound. - The Teleological Argument
The design argument does not simply allude to creation as contingent, as seen in the cosmological argument, but points to the beauty and intricacy of creation as observed in their teleological orientation. - Inductive Arguments for Theism
Dr. Garcia discusses how inductive arguments can also offer strong support for God's existence when founded on solid premises. - The Atheistic Argument from Evil
Turning the tables, we will now study an atheist’s argument against God: the Argument from Evil. - The New Atheism
While the philosophy of atheism has been around for centuries, it has only recently taken the offensive position and, as a result, has manifested an unprecedented aggressiveness.
