What follows is a massive, multi-part conversation with Dr. Gaven Kerr and Karlo Broussard on the famous 5 Ways of Thomas Aquinas, in which we argue their success as metaphysical demonstrations for the existence of God. In part 1, we introduce the project of natural theology, lay down the background metaphysics needed to understand each of the arguments, then explore The 1st and 2nd Way while addressing common objections and misunderstands. Parts 2 – 4 finish our discussion of the Five Ways, consider additional objections (including problem of evil, paradoxes of omnipotence, etc), unpack the divine attributes, and discuss potential consequences upon revealed religion. Finally, to supplement the conversation, I’ve provided a brief, written reconstruction of Aquinas’s 1st Way below.
Do The 5 Ways of St. Thomas Prove the Existence of God? Ft. Gaven Kerr and Karlo Broussard – Part 1: The 1st and 2nd way.
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Part 2: The 3rd, 4th, and 5th Ways.
Part 3: Considering Objections, Answering Questions,
and Unpacking the Divine Attributes
Part 4: Divine Attributes (again), Problem of Evil, Paradoxes of Omnipotence, and Consequences on Revealed Religion
Mentioned Resources
Aquinas’s Way to God (Kerr)
Aquinas and The Metaphysics of Creation (Kerr)
Feser on inertia and the medieval principle of motion
Nigel Cundy on Aquinas’s 1st Way and Modern Physics
Related Podcasts
Philosophy Friday: Arguing Essence and Existence with Dr. Gaven Kerr
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