Bahookie;
Noun: modality - mow'dalitee
A classification of propositions on the basis of whether they claim necessity or possibility or impossibility
- mode - how something is done or how it happens
In a nutshell, this arguement is saying that if it's *possible* that G*D exists, then G*D *must* exist.
Since it is clearly *possible* that G*D *could* exist,
G*D therefore *must* exist.
The arguement is based upon the premise that if it's possible, it must be.
If one rejects that premise, then the arguement looses its force.
Paul;
I just did a quick check on Aquinas' five ways. Just as I remembered, these arguements are taken from Aristotle. He changed Aristotle's word "good" to "G*D" along with a few minor changes. There was no such thing as plagerism back then, lol! But, it's ironic how the leading Christian philosopher's arguement for the necessity of G*D rests on a pagan's work about the natural world.
Don:
These are interesting arguements. I've heard of Pascal's arguement before too. I've also read a refutation of the logic undermining it, but, cannot remember it off the top of my head. I'll try to find it.
Thanks for putting these forth for discussion!
Shalom!