The cosmological argument is a classical argument for the existence of God that aims to establish the existence of a necessary being or a first cause based on the contingency and causal structure of the universe. C.S. Lewis, a renowned writer and philosopher, offered a unique perspective on the cosmological argument through his exploration of modal logic and the concept of contingency. This essay aims to examine Lewis’ viewpoint on the cosmological argument, evaluate the strength of his reasoning, and discuss relevant criticisms and counterarguments.
Overview of the Cosmological Argument
Before delving into Lewis’ perspective, it is crucial to understand the structure of the cosmological argument. The argument is rooted in the principle of causality, asserting that every contingent being has a cause. The cosmological argument typically proceeds as follows:
1. Everything that begins to exist has a cause.
2. The universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the universe has a cause.
The cause of the universe is often identified as God, a necessary being that exists independently of anything else. The cosmological argument provides a framework for explaining the origins and existence of the universe.
Lewis’ Perspective on the Cosmological Argument
Lewis approached the cosmological argument from the perspective of modal logic and contingency. He argued that the concept of contingency and the possibility of alternative possibilities lead to the existence of a necessary being.
Lewis emphasized the distinction between necessary beings, whose existence is self-explanatory and cannot be otherwise, and contingent beings, whose existence is dependent on external causes. He posited that if everything were contingent, it would lead to an infinite regress of causes, which is logically incoherent. Therefore, Lewis concluded that there must be a necessary being, an uncaused cause, to explain the existence of contingent beings.
Furthermore, Lewis utilized modal logic to support the cosmological argument. He highlighted the concept of possible worlds, hypothetical scenarios that represent different ways the world could have been. Lewis argued that the existence of contingent beings and the possibility of alternative possibilities necessitate the existence of a necessary being. He asserted that in a possible world where nothing exists, there would be nothing to bring about the existence of contingent beings. Therefore, there must be a necessary being that exists in all possible worlds and serves as the ultimate ground of existence.
Lewis also addressed the objection of an infinite series of causes by introducing the notion of temporal finitism. He argued that although the past events in the universe might extend infinitely, they are traversed one by one, creating a linear progression of causes. Lewis suggested that the series of causes cannot extend infinitely into the past because an infinite number of causes cannot be traversed. Therefore, he concluded that there must be a first cause, a necessary being, to initiate the causal chain.
Criticism and Counterarguments
While Lewis’ perspective on the cosmological argument is thought-provoking, it has faced criticisms and alternative explanations. One objection raised against Lewis’ argument is the challenge of explaining the existence of a necessary being. Critics argue that if everything requires a cause or explanation, then the existence of a necessary being would also require a cause or explanation.
In response, Lewis and defenders of the cosmological argument contend that a necessary being does not require a cause or explanation because it is self-existent and independent. They argue that the necessary being, often identified as God, is not contingent and therefore does not fall under the same explanatory framework as contingent beings.
Another criticism raised against the cosmological argument is the problem of circular reasoning. Critics argue that positing a necessary being to explain the existence of contingent beings relies on assuming the very conclusion the argument seeks to establish.
In response, defenders of the cosmological argument assert that the inference to a necessary being is not circular but based on rational analysis. They argue that the existence of contingent beings demands an explanation, and a necessary being provides a coherent and logically consistent explanation for their existence.
Furthermore, critics have raised objections regarding the possibility of alternative explanations for the existence of the universe, such as naturalistic explanations or the multiverse hypothesis. They suggest that these explanations could account for the existence of contingent beings without invoking a necessary being.
In response, defenders of the cosmological argument argue that naturalistic explanations or the multiverse hypothesis do not provide sufficient explanations for the existence of contingent beings. They assert that these alternative explanations still rely on certain contingent factors and do not address the ultimate ground of existence.
Moreover, critics have questioned the assumption that there must be a necessary being to explain the existence of contingent beings. They argue that the existence of contingent beings could be an ultimate fact, without the need for a necessary being.
In response, defenders of the cosmological argument contend that the existence of contingent beings necessitates an explanation or a cause. They argue that the notion of an ultimate fact without an explanation or cause is philosophically unsatisfying and does not align with our rational intuitions.
Conclusion
C.S. Lewis’ perspective on the cosmological argument, grounded in modal logic and the concept of contingency, offers a unique and compelling perspective on the existence of a necessary being. His emphasis on the distinction between necessary and contingent beings, along with the possibility of alternative possibilities, contributes to the strength of the argument. While criticisms and counterarguments have been raised, defenders of the cosmological argument have provided responses that address these concerns. The evaluation of Lewis’ perspective on the cosmological argument ultimately depends on individual philosophical perspectives and the weight assigned to the various premises and objections.