Cosmological Argument of Anselm
Clarification
Although St. Anselm is best known for the Ontological Argument for God’s existence, the cosmological argument is more commonly associated with philosophers like Thomas Aquinas. However, we can interpret a cosmological version inspired by Anselm’s reasoning.
Basic Idea
- The cosmological argument seeks to prove God’s existence based on the existence and order of the universe.
- It argues that everything in the universe has a cause, and this chain must begin with an uncaused cause — God.
Anselm’s Perspective
- Anselm emphasized God as the necessary being — the one who exists by nature and not through anything else.
- All contingent beings (those that depend on something else) ultimately rely on a necessary being.
Conclusion
While not traditionally credited with the cosmological argument, Anselm’s idea of a necessary being aligns with its core concept — that God is the ultimate cause and sustainer of the universe.