Eward Feser-An Aristotelian Proof for God'c existence

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Linusthe2nd said:
vimeo.com/60979789

Watch on U-Tube, 64 min.

Comments ?

Linus2nd
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A brief summary. The lecture is one of a series of Newman Lectures at Our Lady of Wisdom Church and Catholic Student Center, given last lent.

The presentation covers all the main elements of " Aquinas " authored by the presenter. But it does so in a slightly different way, using new examples as jumping points to demonstrate the validity of Thomas’ First Way. He demonstrates that the First Way ( and the First Three Ways in particular ) essentially deals with the existence of things and the ultimate cause of that existence, which must be a First Cause ( or Unmoved Mover ) that has the principle attributes of the Christian God.

Of course, in the process, he demonstrates the essential structure of material things as being formed of the principles act and potency, the existence of which things must be accounted for. And it can only be accounted for if such a being as God exists, who has the power to make them exist.

He also deals with objectors such as Hume, Kant, and the modern " physics " cosmologists. He also disposes of the objections inspired by the linear motion of projectiles named after Newton.

What I particularly liked was how he explained the difference between linear causality into an infinite past and the vertical causality of each thing that exists at each moment of its existence into the past ( or future). In other words, while we can envision an infinite past, each thing’s existence, here and now. At each moment of its existence, its existence can only be accounted for by that First Cause which has the power to cause that existence.

Dr. Feser also hinted, that he is in the process of writing a new book which will deal with everything in the lecture. And, hopefully, this is more than a hint.

Needless to say, everyone posting on the philosophy forum should watch and listen to the lecture.

I gave up a ball game to listen to it and to post this thread.

Of course, I would love to get your reaction to the lecture. I give it an A+.

Linus2nd
 
Feser’s new book is entitled " Aristotle on Method and Metaphysics, " and it is a collection of essays by contemporary Philosophers. Feser is the editor and has only one essay of his own in the collection. Comes out in August and is $68 from Amazon on pre-order. Kind of pricy. Guess I won’t be getting it but some of you may want to.

Linus2nd
 
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