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What is the Argument from Metaphysics?

Description: The Argument from Metaphysics is a philosophical argument that attempts to prove the existence of God based on metaphysical principles. It is one of the oldest and most widely discussed arguments for the existence of God, and has been debated by philosophers for centuries.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: philosophy of mind metaphysics theology
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What is the main premise of the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. The universe is contingent.

  2. The universe is eternal.

  3. The universe is infinite.

  4. The universe is perfect.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Argument from Metaphysics begins with the premise that the universe is contingent, meaning that it could have not existed. This is in contrast to a necessary being, which is a being that must exist.

What is the second premise of the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. A necessary being exists.

  2. A perfect being exists.

  3. An infinite being exists.

  4. An eternal being exists.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The second premise of the Argument from Metaphysics is that a necessary being exists. This is a being that must exist, and cannot not exist.

What is the conclusion of the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. God exists.

  2. The universe is eternal.

  3. The universe is infinite.

  4. The universe is perfect.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The conclusion of the Argument from Metaphysics is that God exists. This is because God is a necessary being, and the universe is contingent. Therefore, God must exist in order to explain the existence of the universe.

What is one objection to the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. The universe could have always existed.

  2. There is no evidence for the existence of God.

  3. The concept of a necessary being is incoherent.

  4. The Argument from Metaphysics is circular.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

One objection to the Argument from Metaphysics is that the universe could have always existed. If this is the case, then there would be no need for a necessary being to explain its existence.

What is one response to the objection that the universe could have always existed?

  1. The universe cannot be infinite in time.

  2. The universe must have a beginning.

  3. The universe is constantly changing.

  4. The universe is governed by laws of nature.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

One response to the objection that the universe could have always existed is that the universe cannot be infinite in time. This is because an infinite amount of time would have already passed, and this would lead to a number of contradictions.

What is another objection to the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. The concept of a necessary being is incoherent.

  2. There is no evidence for the existence of God.

  3. The Argument from Metaphysics is circular.

  4. The universe could have always existed.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Another objection to the Argument from Metaphysics is that the concept of a necessary being is incoherent. This is because it is impossible to conceive of a being that must exist, and cannot not exist.

What is one response to the objection that the concept of a necessary being is incoherent?

  1. The concept of a necessary being is not incoherent.

  2. The Argument from Metaphysics is circular.

  3. There is no evidence for the existence of God.

  4. The universe could have always existed.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

One response to the objection that the concept of a necessary being is incoherent is that it is not incoherent. It is possible to conceive of a being that must exist, and cannot not exist. For example, we can conceive of a being that is the ground of all being, or a being that is the source of all existence.

What is the Argument from Metaphysics often compared to?

  1. The Cosmological Argument

  2. The Ontological Argument

  3. The Teleological Argument

  4. The Moral Argument


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Argument from Metaphysics is often compared to the Cosmological Argument, which is another argument for the existence of God that is based on the existence of the universe.

Who is one philosopher who has defended the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. Thomas Aquinas

  2. René Descartes

  3. William Paley

  4. David Hume


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

One philosopher who has defended the Argument from Metaphysics is Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas argued that the existence of God can be proven through reason, and that the Argument from Metaphysics is one of the most convincing arguments for the existence of God.

Who is one philosopher who has criticized the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. David Hume

  2. Immanuel Kant

  3. Bertrand Russell

  4. Ludwig Wittgenstein


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

One philosopher who has criticized the Argument from Metaphysics is David Hume. Hume argued that the Argument from Metaphysics is based on a false premise, and that there is no evidence for the existence of a necessary being.

What is the significance of the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. It is one of the oldest and most widely discussed arguments for the existence of God.

  2. It has been used to justify religious beliefs.

  3. It has been used to challenge religious beliefs.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Argument from Metaphysics is significant because it is one of the oldest and most widely discussed arguments for the existence of God. It has been used to justify religious beliefs, and it has also been used to challenge religious beliefs.

Is the Argument from Metaphysics a valid argument?

  1. Yes

  2. No

  3. It is not clear.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Whether or not the Argument from Metaphysics is a valid argument is a matter of debate. Some philosophers believe that it is a valid argument, while others believe that it is not. There is no clear consensus on this issue.

Is the Argument from Metaphysics a sound argument?

  1. Yes

  2. No

  3. It is not clear.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Whether or not the Argument from Metaphysics is a sound argument is also a matter of debate. Some philosophers believe that it is a sound argument, while others believe that it is not. There is no clear consensus on this issue either.

What are some of the strengths of the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. It is based on reason.

  2. It is simple and straightforward.

  3. It has been used to justify religious beliefs.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Argument from Metaphysics has a number of strengths. It is based on reason, it is simple and straightforward, and it has been used to justify religious beliefs.

What are some of the weaknesses of the Argument from Metaphysics?

  1. It is based on a false premise.

  2. It is circular.

  3. It is incoherent.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Argument from Metaphysics also has a number of weaknesses. It is based on a false premise, it is circular, and it is incoherent.

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