Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    If causal sufficiency requires an act of will or determin... — Carmelics
    Home
    HistoryEditSee Inverse

    Part of a larger discussion

    Challenges→The existence of the First is a sufficient cause of the existence of the First's first effect

    If causal sufficiency requires an act of will or determination beyond mere existence, then bare existence—even of the First—cannot alone constitute a sufficient cause.

    ?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.Causation requires active production or determination, not passive presence. Mere existence is inert without actualization of potential into effect.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.If A merely exists and B follows, we need explanation of why B followed rather than not—requiring something beyond A's bare existence.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Necessity differs from sufficiency. The First's existence may be necessary for creation but insufficient without an act of will directing that existence toward effect.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.The distinction between 'existence' and 'will' assumes dualism. A maximally simple First Being may be identical with its own causal power.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Necessity and sufficiency can coincide. If the First's very nature entails the necessity of creation, its existence alone is causally sufficient.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Requiring additional will-acts beyond existence creates infinite regress: what makes the will itself efficacious if not prior determination?
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Sign in or register to share your perspective on this statement.

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.

    Connections

    2 topics

    Causation1 linkedDivine Attributes1 linked

    Related

    Causation requires active production or determination, not passive presence. Mer...If A merely exists and B follows, we need explanation of why B followed rather t...Necessity and sufficiency can coincide. If the First's very nature entails the n...Necessity differs from sufficiency. The First's existence may be necessary for c...
    +3 moreShow less
    Requiring additional will-acts beyond existence creates infinite regress: what m...The distinction between 'existence' and 'will' assumes dualism. A maximally simp...The existence of the First is a sufficient cause of the existence of the First's...

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit