Argument Quote by Michael Shermer
“The first-cause and prime-mover argument, brilliantly proffered by St. Thomas Aquinas in the fourteenth century (and brilliantly refuted by David Hume in the eighteenth century), is easily turned aside with just one more question: Who or what caused and moved God?”
About This Quote
The argument that God is the unmoved mover is challenged by asking what caused God, exposing a logical loop in cosmological proofs.
In simple terms: Questioning the cause of the cause reveals a paradox.
Key Takeaway
Infinite regress undermines the unmoved mover claim.
Themes
philosophy of religion
cosmology
logic
skepticism
theology
Mood
inquisitive
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- debates on existence of God
- academic philosophy courses
- public discussions on atheism
- theological apologetics
Key Concepts
causality
first cause
argumentation
refutation
Practical Applications
- critical analysis of cosmological arguments
- teaching logical fallacies
Questions to Reflect On
- Does an uncaused cause make sense?
- Can a being be both cause and effect?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that God, as a necessary being, is exempt from causal chains, making the question moot.
