The Kalam Cosmological Argument

This page collects articles I have been writing dealing with the Kalaam cosmological argument for God’s existence. It is expected to grow over time as I write more on the subject.

Put simply, the argument goes:

1. Whatever has a beginning has a cause.
2. The universe has a beginning.
3. Therefore, the universe has a cause.

The cause of the universe can be meaningfully described as God. Therefore, God exists.

This argument is both valid and sound–that is, it uses a valid logical form and its premises are true, so its conclusion is true.

Despite this, many of the arguments used to support it are not successful. In particular, many of the philosophical arguments used for its second premise are flawed.

Here are articles in which I explore why.

General Considerations:

• Using the Kalaam Argument Correctly
• Omnipotence and Infinite History
• Catholic Teaching and the Kalaam Argument

The Big Bang and Science

• Science and the Kalaam Argument: Some Words of Caution

Philosophical Arguments:

The First Argument (No Actual Infinities):

• Can an Actual Infinity Exist?
• Presentism and Infinite History
• Checking Out of Hilbert’s Hotel

The Second Argument (No Infinity by Successive Addition):

• Traversing an Infinite?
• What’s Wrong with the Countdown Paradox?

More Recent Arguments:

• Grim Reapers, Paradoxes, and Infinite History
• The Kalaam Cosmological Argument and the First-and-Last Fallacy

Related:

• 3 Views of Time and Eternity
• Does Only the Present Exist?
• Are the Past and the Future Real?