The Existence of the Universe and Leibniz's Contingency Argument
Introduction to the Big Question
Why does the universe exist?
Gottfried Leibniz: "Why is there something rather than nothing?"
Leibniz’s conclusion: The explanation for the universe’s existence is God.
Key Argument Structure
Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence.
If the universe has an explanation of its existence, that explanation is God.
The universe exists.
Logical conclusion: The explanation of the universe is God.
Evaluating the Argument
Is it more plausible that these premises are true than false?
Third premise is undeniable for truth-seeking individuals.
First premise consideration:
Can the universe just exist without explanation?
The Analogy of the Shiny Sphere
Hiking in the woods and finding a sphere: Natural to wonder its origin.
Size of the sphere (or universe) doesn’t eliminate the need for an explanation.
Curiosity about the universe's existence is scientific and intuitive.
Addressing Common Objections
Why doesn't God need an explanation?
Distinction between necessary and contingent existence:
Necessary Existence: Exists by its own nature, impossible not to exist.
Example: Abstract objects like numbers.
Contingent Existence: Caused by something else.
Example: Most objects in our world.
The Universe’s Contingency
The universe might not have existed, indicating it exists contingently.
Why does a contingent universe exist?
Explanation must rest on a non-contingent being.
Contingency Argument Conclusion
"Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence"
Either in its own nature or an external cause.
Non-contingent being explanation: God
Universe's cause cannot be part of it: must be immaterial, non-physical.
Only an entity like God fits this description.
Alternative View
If not calling this being "God," refer to:
"The Extremely Powerful, Uncaused, Necessarily Existing, Non-Contingent, Non-Physical, Immaterial, Eternal Being Who Created the Entire Universe...And Everything In It."