Q&A: The Cosmological Argument
The Cosmological Argument
Question
1. Regarding the cosmological argument, I wanted to understand why this compels belief in God. Because when people say that everything has a cause, the cause does not have to be an intelligent entity, but could just be some entity. It’s like when I say: why is there light? Because the sun is shining, and the sun is not an intelligent entity. In the same way, the cause of the world could be some factor that is outside our experience, but not intelligent—just something that exists.
2. And an unrelated question: in yeshivas they are very meticulous about every word of the medieval authorities (Rishonim), and build entire structures out of every word. In your opinion, is that correct? Did the medieval authorities really speak with that much precision?
Answer
- This question has been asked several times. You can search for it here on the site. Indeed, it could be a non-intelligent entity, but then it itself would require someone who created it. Beyond that, it is not plausible that a non-intelligent entity created the complexity before us.
2. Usually not. With Maimonides, it is well known that one should be precise about his wording and about the placement of the Jewish law in his book. But every close reading should be judged on its own merits.
Discussion on Answer
I answered that.
I’ll just add that I’ve written more than once that the arguments are connected to one another.
I agree regarding the complexity, but I was talking about the cosmological argument, which from what I understood from you does not require complexity.