The cosmological argument is one of the oldest and most debated arguments for the existence of God. It seeks to establish the existence of a necessary being or a first cause based on the existence of contingent beings and the causal chain of events in the universe. John Mackie, a prominent philosopher of the 20th century, provided a critical analysis of the cosmological argument in his influential work, “The Miracle of Theism.” This essay aims to explore Mackie’s objections to the cosmological argument, evaluate the strength of his criticisms, and present counterarguments to his objections.
Overview of the Cosmological Argument
Before delving into Mackie’s critique, it is essential to understand the basic structure of the cosmological argument. The argument is grounded in the principle of causality, which states that every contingent being has a cause. It 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.
This initial cause is typically 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.
Mackie’s Critique of the Cosmological Argument
Mackie offered several objections to the cosmological argument, challenging its validity and soundness. One of his central criticisms pertains to the first premise of the argument. He argues that the principle of causality cannot be applied to the universe as a whole. According to Mackie, the concept of causality is only meaningful within the universe and cannot be extrapolated to the universe’s origin. Therefore, he contends that the cause-effect relationship, which forms the basis of the cosmological argument, is invalid when applied to the universe.
Additionally, Mackie challenges the second premise of the cosmological argument. While many theists maintain that the universe had a beginning (supported by scientific evidence such as the Big Bang theory), Mackie suggests that it is not necessary to posit a beginning for the universe. He argues that the concept of an infinite universe is plausible, which undermines the idea that the universe requires a cause.
Furthermore, Mackie raises the problem of infinite regress as a challenge to the cosmological argument. He asserts that even if one accepts that everything has a cause, positing an infinite regress of causes is incoherent and illogical. The concept of an infinite series of causes raises questions about how the causal chain could have started in the first place. Mackie argues that the theist’s attempt to avoid an infinite regress by positing a necessary being as the initial cause does not adequately address the problem, as it merely shifts the question of causation to a different entity.
Counterarguments and Evaluation
While Mackie’s objections to the cosmological argument are thought-provoking, they are not without counterarguments. One way to address Mackie’s challenge regarding the application of causality to the universe as a whole is to consider the principle of sufficient reason. The principle holds that everything must have an explanation or a reason for its existence. If the universe lacks a cause, it would violate this principle, which is fundamental to our understanding of reality. Consequently, positing a necessary being as the cause of the universe aligns with the principle of sufficient reason.
In response to Mackie’s suggestion of an infinite universe, proponents of the cosmological argument argue that an actual infinite, an infinite quantity that is fully realized, is conceptually problematic. They contend that an infinite series of causes would necessitate an infinite number of events, which is logically impossible to traverse. Therefore, positing a beginning for the universe remains a more plausible explanation.
Regarding the problem of infinite regress, theists argue that the cosmological argument does not propose an infinite series of causes but posits a necessary being that exists independently of the causal chain. This necessary being, often identified as God, is not subject to the limitations of contingent beings. While the question of how this necessary being exists may remain mysterious, it does not undermine the coherence of the cosmological argument.
Conclusion
John Mackie’s critique of the cosmological argument highlights significant challenges to its validity and soundness. His objections regarding the application of causality to the universe as a whole, the possibility of an infinite universe, and the problem of infinite regress are thought-provoking and have sparked extensive debates. However, counterarguments can be presented to address these objections and defend the cosmological argument. Ultimately, the evaluation of Mackie’s critique and the cosmological argument rests on individual philosophical perspectives and the weight assigned to the various premises and objections.