Preparing for Quiz 9

In this section we learn about arguments for the existence of a Judeo-Christian type of God. We examine both the arguments and critiques of the arguments.

This is the material for Quiz 9.

Objectives for Quiz 9

You should be able to answer the following essay questions:

1. Descartes was aware of all the usual cosmological and teleological arguments for God, but he doesn’t use them anywhere in the Meditations, even though a primary goal of the work was to demonstrate the existence of God. Why doesn’t Descartes employ cosmological and teleological arguments in the Meditations?

2. Explain clearly why Kant objected to the ontological argument.

3. Explain the difference between a priori and a posteriori arguments for God.

Readings for Quiz 9

The reading assignments for this section are:

• DP Ch 5 sections on "Philosophy of Religion" and "Theism"

• Meditation V

• The following notes:

  • The Ontological Argument

  • Cosmological and Teleological Arguments