The 5 Proofs Of God’s Existence : Thomas Aquinas
In this article, it talks about “God” possibly meaning the infinite goodness. Thomas
Aquinas had 5 proofs to the existence of God. His first proof of God’s existence is the argument
of motion. He states that it is evident in the world that some things in the world are in motion, yet
were put into motion by something else. This in other words means as he stated “But nothing can
be reduced from potentiality to actuality, expect by something in a state of actuality.” The
example he gives is something that is actually hot, as fire, makes wood, which is potentially hot,
to be actually hot, and thereby moves and changes it. He also states that they cannot be in the
state of potentiality and actuality at the same time. It is just the same to say that nothing can be
both the mover and moved at the same time. This means that whatever is in motion must be put
in motion by something else. This can’t go into infinity because that means there is no first
mover or nothing can be moved since it must be put in motion itself.
Secondly, God’s existence is proven in the nature of efficient cause. This is similar to the
argument of motion. In efficient cause the first cause causes the intermediate cause, which in
response has an ultimate cause. The intermediate cause can be many or just one. To take away
the cause you also take away the effect. This first efficient cause just as the first mover is God.
Thirdly, another proof of God’s existence is taken from possibility and necessity. He
states that everything is possible not to be. He then states that if everything is possible not to be
then there must have been a point in time where nothing existed. With that being said, it is not
possible for things to come into existence without there being something already in existence.
Fourthly, God’s existence is taken from the gradation of things. He meant that there are
different levels to things, such as something being hotter resembling something which is hottest.
In the same sense there must be something which is to all beings the cause of their being, which
is God.
Finally, the last proof that Thomas Aquinas gives for God’s existence is the governance
of the world. This proof is stating that everything has a design and a purpose. Everything was
created for a reason. Whatever that lacks intelligence cannot move towards an end unless
something with knowledge and intelligence directs it. He states that some intelligent being exists
by whom all natural things are directed to their end.
In conclusion, Thomas Aquinas came up with what he considers 5 proofs for God’s
existence. These proofs relate in a way that state everything needs a beginning which is God.
Nothing can come into existence without something already existing. There has to be something
that is over all and created all. This is God.
Worked Cited
5 Proofs for the Existence of God. (2000). Thomas Aquinas- 5 Proofs for the Existence of God,
1. Retrieved from EBSCOhost