Quote Originally Posted by Reefer Rogue
The Principle of sufficient reason:

A closely related traditional form of cosmological arguement starts with a philisophical principle known as the The Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR), which says, "There must be an explanation (a) for any being, and (b) for any positive fact. Using PSR, a theist can reason,

1. Every being is either dependent or self-existent.

2. Not every being can be dependent.

Thus,

3. There is a self-existent being.

Because of PSR, step 1 rules out there being anything that is explained by nothing. A dependent being is explained by something else. A self-existent being is self-explanitory, or necessary.

Step 2 results from this reasoning: If all beings were dependent, then there would be one positive fact-that these being exist at all-that would have no explanation, and this is ruled out by PSR also; that fact can only be explained by a nondependent being;thus 2 is true.

And step 3 follows from 1 and 2. There is no reason to think that anything in the universe, or the total composed of these things, is self-existent, thus there must be a God outside the system of dependent beings who created them.


A traditional Design arguement:

1. So far as we are able to determine, every highly complex object with intricate moving parts is a product of intelligent design. (The only such objects whose ultimate origin we are sure about are artifacts designed by people.)

2. The universe is a highly complex object with intricate moving parts. (From observation)

Therefore,

3. Probably, the universe is a product of an intelligent design (from steps 1 and 2)

4. No one could design a universe but god. (it's a big job)

Therefore,

5. Probably, there is a god. (from steps 3 and 4)

I'll be back later and write some evidence in favour of Athiesm :stoned:
an object or being not subject to law has not been observed. an object or being not subject to law can not be explained. this leads to the conclusion that god can not exist outside "the system" without being subject to some greater system; by the definition of god, this is not the case. therefore god does not exist.