The Cosmological Argument: Proving God's Existence from the Universe's Beginning

Question 1

The Cosmological Argument claims that the universe must have a cause. Which of these statements is a key premise of this argument?

Accepted Answer

The universe depends on something else for its existence.

Answer

The universe has always existed.

Answer

The universe is flawless and unchanging.

Answer

The universe is boundless and without limits.

Question 2

The Cosmological Argument suggests that God is:

Accepted Answer

The uncaused and necessary Being

Answer

Omnipotent

Answer

Inherently personal

Question 3

Select the option that best represents the second premise of the Cosmological Argument.

Accepted Answer

The universe began to exist

Answer

The universe is uncaused

Answer

The universe may have always existed

Answer

God is the creator of the universe

Question 4

What is the conclusion of the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

Therefore, the universe has an ultimate cause

Answer

Therefore, the universe is eternal

Answer

Therefore, the universe is uncaused

Question 5

Identify a common objection raised against the Cosmological Argument.

Accepted Answer

The argument relies on an infinite regress of causes

Answer

The argument cannot establish the benevolence of God

Answer

The argument assumes the universe is finite

Question 6

Identify the primary assumption underlying the Cosmological Argument.

Accepted Answer

The universe has an ultimate cause

Answer

The universe is an eternal and necessary being

Answer

The universe is composed solely of matter and energy

Answer

God is the only possible cause of the universe

Question 7

Which of the following is a variation of the Cosmological Argument that attempts to address the issue of infinite regress?

Accepted Answer

Kalam Cosmological Argument

Answer

Moral Argument

Answer

Teleological Argument

Answer

Ontological Argument

Question 8

What is the fundamental distinction between the Cosmological Argument and the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

The Cosmological Argument infers the existence of a necessary being from the existence of the universe, while the Ontological Argument infers the existence of a necessary being from the concept of a necessary being

Answer

The Cosmological Argument relies on empirical evidence, while the Ontological Argument relies on pure reason

Question 9

Select the potential implication of the Cosmological Argument with regard to the question of God's existence.

Accepted Answer

If the argument is sound, it provides evidence for the existence of a cause or ground of the universe

Answer

If the argument is sound, it proves the existence of a personal God with specific attributes

Answer

If the argument is sound, it disproves the existence of all other spiritual beings or entities

Question 10

Which of the following accurately represents the basic structure of the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

The universe had a beginning; everything that begins to exist has a cause; the ultimate cause of the universe is God.

Answer

The universe is eternal; therefore, there is no need for a creator.

Question 11

The Cosmological Argument is primarily associated with which philosopher?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Aquinas

Answer

René Descartes

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

William Paley

Question 12

Which of the following is considered a strength of the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

It offers a rational justification for the existence of a first cause.

Answer

It proves the existence of a benevolent and all-powerful God.

Answer

It is universally accepted by all philosophers.

Answer

It is based solely on empirical evidence.

Question 13

Which of the following objections commonly raised against the Cosmological Argument is considered valid?

Accepted Answer

The argument potentially leads to an infinite regress of causes.

Answer

The argument assumes that the universe is inherently meaningful.

Answer

The argument is based on religious dogma rather than logical reasoning.

Question 14

Which of the following is a possible response to the objection that the Cosmological Argument commits the fallacy of infinite regress?

Accepted Answer

The argument posits a first cause that exists outside the causal chain.

Answer

The argument is still valid even if it does commit the fallacy of infinite regress.

Answer

The objection misunderstands the logical structure of the argument.

Question 15

Which of the following is a philosophical implication that can be drawn from the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that the universe is contingent and dependent on an external creator.

Answer

It implies that human beings are inherently sinful and depraved.

Answer

It proves that God is the only possible explanation for the existence of evil.

Question 16

Which of the following is a religious implication that can be derived from the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

It provides a rational basis for belief in a divine creator.

Answer

It proves that God intervenes directly in human affairs.

Answer

It implies that all religions are equally valid.

Question 17

Which contemporary philosopher is known for his defense and development of the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

William Lane Craig

Answer

Bertrand Russell

Answer

Richard Dawkins

Answer

Alvin Plantinga

Question 18

Who is widely recognized for refining and presenting the Cosmological Argument in its modern form?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Aquinas

Answer

René Descartes

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Plato

Question 19

The ultimate conclusion of the Cosmological Argument is the existence of:

Accepted Answer

A necessary being.

Answer

A contingent being.

Answer

An infinite being.

Answer

A finite being.

Question 20

According to the Cosmological Argument, the cause of the universe is:

Accepted Answer

A transcendent being.

Answer

A human being.

Answer

An immanent being.

Answer

A natural being.

Question 21

Which objection to the Cosmological Argument highlights the difficulty in identifying the uncaused cause?

Accepted Answer

The regress argument.

Answer

The empirical argument.

Answer

The logical argument.

Answer

The ontological argument.

Question 22

Which of the following is the main premise of the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

Everything that begins to exist must have a cause.

Answer

The universe is infinitely old.

Answer

God is the only being that can exist without a cause.

Answer

The universe is a perfect and harmonious system.

Question 23

What is the Cosmological Argument classified as?

Accepted Answer

Contingency argument.

Answer

Analogy argument.

Answer

Experience argument.

Answer

Design argument.

Question 24

What differentiates the First Cause argument from the argument from Contingency?

Accepted Answer

The First Cause argument focuses on the initial cause of the universe, whereas the argument from Contingency emphasizes the dependency of contingent beings.

Answer

The First Cause argument only applies to the existence of a personal God.

Answer

The First Cause argument is based on logic, while the argument from Contingency is based on observation.

Question 25

Define an 'uncaused cause' in the context of the Cosmological Argument.

Accepted Answer

A being that exists without any preceding cause or dependency.

Answer

A being that is the effect of a chain of causes and effects.

Answer

A being that is both caused and uncaused.

Answer

A being that is the cause of all other causes but has its own cause.

Question 26

Which philosopher is most closely associated with the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Aquinas

Answer

René Descartes

Answer

David Hume

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 27

How does the concept of 'infinite regress' challenge the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

It suggests an endless chain of causes, potentially eliminating the need for a first cause.

Answer

It disproves the existence of God.

Answer

It argues that the first cause must be an immaterial being.

Answer

It proves that the universe has no beginning.

Question 28

What does it mean for the Cosmological Argument to be 'a posteriori'?

Accepted Answer

It relies on reasoning from empirical observations and experiences.

Answer

It is a priori.

Answer

It is based on personal revelation.

Answer

It is based solely on logical deduction.

Question 29

Which statement encapsulates the 'First Cause' version of the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

The universe must have a first cause, and this cause must be an uncaused, necessary being, which we identify as God.

Answer

Everything that begins to exist must have a cause.

Answer

The existence of the universe is evidence for the existence of God.

Answer

The universe is a contingent being and must be dependent on a necessary being.

Question 30

How might the Big Bang theory impact the Cosmological Argument?

Accepted Answer

It provides evidence for a beginning of the universe, potentially supporting the argument's premise.

Answer

It is irrelevant to the Cosmological Argument.

Answer

It proves that the universe is eternal.

Answer

It disproves the Cosmological Argument.