How do we know the First Cause is a Mind?

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catholic1seeks

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There MUST be a unique first cause of all reality, this I’m quite convinced.

The arguments for God’s existence are quite good and persuasive to me… to an extent. I see the necessity of a first cause, unconditioned reality that is totally unique and unrestricted.

But that’s not ALL God is. It is essential that the definition of God includes “personal” – or is intelligent/is a MIND.

So how do we argue for a First Cause with a Mind??
 
We cannot know this outside of the Truths that have been revealed by The Church.
 
if the first Cause is a necessary, fully independent Being, and the Universe merely contingent, then the First Cause has to have mind and ability to act.
 
There are philosophical arguments that the First Cause is a Mind. I just don’t completely understand them.
 
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Can you explain this more?

Why does the First Cause have to have a mind? Why couldn’t someone argue that the first cause just kind of “gave birth” to the Universe, but not by an intelligent choice? etc.
 
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Outside of the Church Teachings, we don’t know that our reality isn’t some kid playing a video game simulation.
 
If the creation of the first Cause is not necessary but contingent, that means it was chosen to be brought into existence.
To say the creation isn’t a choice would be to imply it is necessary.

See, this is because if something isn’t necessary, then it is a choice. God didn’t have to create the Universe, hence it was a choice, hence it shows He has agency.
 
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Well, couldn’t it be that the first cause is non-contingent and necessary, but that creation is contingent on the first cause, and yet still necessary?
 
The processes of matter are intelligent.
My camera can recognise faces and make decisions accordingly.
 
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I don’t understand.

I’m just wondering what reasons there are to think that the First Cause is a thinker, a reality that has consciousness, etc. and i.e., “God”
 
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When you can define consciouness in a way that everybody agrees on do come back to us 🙂
 
I don’t need to be nitpicky about it. I’m just asking why we should think the First Cause is not just some blind piece of fundamental matter or energy or field or whatever. Why should we think it is intelligent and has a will.
 
And many sincere and intelligent persons will suggest that nature can demonstrate intelligence…so how would we know the difference?
 
My camera shows primitive intelligence doesnt it?

What is intelligence?
 
I’m not sure. I guess the point of my question is whether or not the First Cause is self-conscious or conscious how we could argue for that.
 
Until you can define your terms how do you expect anyone to provide you a relevant answer?
 
Honestly I didn’t think it was that difficult to discern what I was asking.

Theists believe the First Cause is a Mind.

Others may believe there is a first cause, but that it is something physical.
 
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