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
    Home/Original/inverse
    See Original
    Inverse View

    It is not the case that 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.

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 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

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 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

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

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