Did the universe begin to exist? If so, did it have a cause? Or could
it have come into existence uncaused, from nothing? These questions
are taken up by the medieval-though recently-revived-kalam
cosmological argument, which has arguably been the most discussed
philosophical argument for God's existence in recent decades. The
kalam's line of reasoning maintains that the series of past events
cannot be infinite but rather is finite. Since the universe could not
have come into being uncaused, there must be a transcendent cause of
the universe's beginning, a conclusion supportive of theism. This
anthology on the philosophical arguments for the finitude of the past
asks: Is an infinite series of past events metaphysically possible?
Should actual infinites be restricted to theoretical mathematics, or
can an actual infinite exist in the concrete world? These essays by
kalam proponents and detractors engage in lively debate about the
nature of infinity and its conundrums; about frequently-used kalam
argument paradoxes of Tristram Shandy, the Grim Reaper, and Hilbert's
Hotel; and about the infinity of the future.
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Philosophical Arguments for the Finitude of the Past
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781501330803
Publisert
2020
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Bloomsbury USA
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter