Q&A: An Introduction to Infinite Regress
An Introduction to Infinite Regress
Question
Hello Rabbi, I came across the following objection to the cosmological argument:
The cosmological argument seems convincing at first glance, but further examination reveals its weakness. First, the cosmological argument assumes that an infinite causal chain is impossible, but it is not clear what underlies this assumption, since we are not familiar with a first cause that has no other cause for its existence. The assumption that there is a first cause is not grounded in our life experience, nor is it a priori or self-evident, as people sometimes tend to think.
What does the Rabbi say?
Answer
I explained in the second booklet what stands behind the assumption that rules out infinite regress. Take a look there.
Discussion on Answer
Indeed. We also cannot be familiar with such a thing, because in order to know that there is no cause, one would have to live an infinite amount of time alongside it.
But is it really true that we are not familiar with a first cause that has no other cause for its existence?