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Leibniz' Contingency Argument
"Why is there something rather than nothing?" 1. Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence. 2. If universe has an explanation of its existence, that explanation is God. 3. The universe exists. Conclusion: The explanation of the universe's existence is God. 1. Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence. (either in the necessity of its nature or in an external cause) If everything that exists needs an explanation, what about God? If God does not need an explanation then why universe needs an explanation? To address these questions, Leibniz makes a key distinction between things, that exist: a) necessarily b) contingently Things that exist necessarily exist by necessity of their own nature. Its impossible for them NOT to exist. Abstract objects like numbers or sets exist like this. They are not caused to exist by something else, they just exist by necessity of their own nature. Thinks that exist contingently are caused to exist by something else. They dont have to exist. Its logically possible that whole universe might not have existed. The universe does not exist necessarily, it exists contingently. 2. If universe has an explanation of its existence, that explanation is God. Why does universe exist? Universe is all of space-time reality including all matter and energy. The cause of the universe cannot be part of the universe. So it must be: a) non-physical b) immaterial c) beyond space and time There are only two entities that can fit this description: 1. Abstract objects 2. God And abstract objects cannot cause anything. Conclusion: Leibniz proved that the explanation of the universe is found in God. Or, if you dont want to use the word "God", you can describe the cause as: The extremely powerful, uncaused, necessarily existing, non-contingent, non-physical, immaterial eternal being. Gottfried Wilhelm (von) Leibniz (1646 - 1716) Germany, Lutheran Prominent polymath and philosopher. He developed differential and integral calculus. His Law of Continuity and Transendental Law of Homogenity found mathematical implementation. While working on adding automatic multiplication and division to Pascal's calculator, he was the first to describe a pinwheel calculator and invented the Leibniz wheel, used in the arithmometer. He also refined the binary number system, which is the foundation of virtually all digital computers. His most influental theological work is probably The Theodicy and he is best known among Christians and philosophers by his concept of this universe being the best of all possible worlds. |