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    An infinite series of contingent beings, each explained b... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→There must be something whose necessity is uncaused.

    An infinite series of contingent beings, each explained by a prior contingent being, constitutes a complete explanatory chain without remainder.

    ?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Each member of an infinite series can have its own sufficient explanation via prior members, satisfying the principle of sufficient reason locally.
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    • 2.Explanation requires only that each item be accounted for by antecedents; it does not require a first cause or non-contingent terminus.
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    • 3.An infinite regress is logically possible and internally coherent if each step is causally efficacious and properly ordered.
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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
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    • 1.Explaining each member individually does not explain why the entire infinite series exists rather than nothing—a distinct explanatory gap remains.
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    • 2.An infinite regress defers rather than fulfills explanation; no point in the chain provides the ultimate ground needed for a complete explanation.
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    • 3.Without a non-contingent foundation, the series lacks necessity and stability; contingency all the way down leaves all existence ultimately arbitrary.
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    Connections

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    Natural Theology1 linked

    Related

    An infinite regress defers rather than fulfills explanation; no point in the cha...An infinite regress is logically possible and internally coherent if each step i...Each member of an infinite series can have its own sufficient explanation via pr...Explaining each member individually does not explain why the entire infinite ser...
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    Explanation requires only that each item be accounted for by antecedents; it doe...There must be something whose necessity is uncaused.Without a non-contingent foundation, the series lacks necessity and stability; c...

    Details

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    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
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