Kalam cosmological argument - Definition and Overview

The Kalam comsological argument is an argument derived from the Islamic Kalam school of argument that attempts to prove the existence of God. A recent formulation by William Lane Craig is as follows:

1. Everything that begins to exist has a cause.
2. The Universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the Universe must have a cause.

The First Clause

The first clause is usually supported by the following argument:

1. An actual infinite cannot exist.
2. A beginningless series of events is an actual infinite
3. Therefore, a beginningless series of events cannot exist.

The definition of an actual infinite comes from set theory.

See Also

Parallels for this argument are found in the theologies of Judaism - in the work of Maimonides, and Christianity - in Thomas Aquinas, wherein it is known as the 'uncaused cause', 'first cause', or cosmological argument.

Example Usage of cosmological