cosmological argument: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low frequencyFormal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “cosmological argument” mean?
A philosophical argument for the existence of God, asserting that the universe must have a first cause or sufficient reason for its existence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A philosophical argument for the existence of God, asserting that the universe must have a first cause or sufficient reason for its existence.
A type of deductive argument in the philosophy of religion, which reasons from the existence of the cosmos or contingent beings back to a necessary, uncaused cause, typically identified as God. It is a form of argument from causation or contingency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is identical and used identically in academic philosophy in both regions.
Connotations
Carries the same connotations of specialized, high-level academic discourse in both UK and US contexts. It is not a term used in everyday religious discourse.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside academic circles in both regions. Slightly higher frequency in contexts with a tradition of analytic philosophy of religion.
Grammar
How to Use “cosmological argument” in a Sentence
The cosmological argument [posits/asserts/claims] that X.One can [advance/defend/outline] a cosmological argument.The cosmological argument for the existence of God is [persuasive/flawed/influential].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cosmological argument” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He attempted to cosmological-argue his way to a deity, which was unconvincing. (Note: highly non-standard, used only for illustration of awkward derivation)
American English
- The philosopher sought to cosmological-argue for a first cause. (Note: highly non-standard, used only for illustration of awkward derivation)
adjective
British English
- The cosmological-argument approach has a long history. (Note: non-standard compound adjective)
American English
- His cosmological-argument strategy was to focus on contingency. (Note: non-standard compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central term in philosophy of religion and theology courses. Used in papers, lectures, and debates on the existence of God.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term within analytic philosophy and systematic theology. Specific sub-types include the 'Kalam cosmological argument' and 'Thomistic cosmological arguments'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cosmological argument”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cosmological argument”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cosmological argument”
- Misspelling as 'cosmological arguement'.
- Confusing it with the 'teleological argument' (argument from design).
- Using it to refer to any argument about the origin of the universe, rather than specifically one concluding in a divine cause.
- Pronouncing 'cosmological' with the stress on the second syllable (/koz-MOL-o-gical/) instead of the third (/koz-mə-LOJ-i-cal/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The cosmological argument argues from the fact that the universe *exists* or that things within it are *caused/contingent*. The argument from design (teleological argument) argues from the apparent order, purpose, or complexity *within* the universe.
Classical proponents include Plato, Aristotle (influentially), Thomas Aquinas (most famously, with his 'Five Ways'), and Gottfried Leibniz. In modern times, William Lane Craig has popularised the 'Kalam cosmological argument'.
Some proponents argue yes. They might see the Big Bang theory as scientific support for the premise 'the universe began to exist', which is a key premise in the Kalam version of the argument. Others maintain the argument is philosophical, not scientific, and its validity is independent of specific cosmological models.
A common critique is the 'infinite regress' problem: if everything needs a cause, then what caused God? Proponents respond that the argument concludes to a *necessary* being (one that cannot not exist), which by definition does not require an external cause. Other criticisms involve the applicability of causation to the universe as a whole.
A philosophical argument for the existence of God, asserting that the universe must have a first cause or sufficient reason for its existence.
Cosmological argument is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Cosmological argument: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒz.məˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ˈɑːɡ.jə.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːz.məˈlɑː.dʒɪ.kəl ˈɑːrɡ.jə.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of COSMOS (universe) + LOGIC (reasoning). A COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT uses logic about the cosmos to argue for God.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE UNIVERSE IS AN EFFECT (requiring a cause). GOD IS THE FIRST CAUSE / NECESSARY BEING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary starting point for a cosmological argument?