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    The prior probability of a being with infinite or maximal... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→The existence of God is more probable than not (P-inductive cumulative case)

    The prior probability of a being with infinite or maximal properties is, on Bayesian grounds, extremely low, as Sobel and Oppy argue regarding the intrinsic improbability of such a stipulated entity.

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    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Property combinations grow exponentially; infinite properties require explaining why this specific maximal combination exists rather than others.
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    • 2.Infinite beings lack the constraints that make finite entities probable; absence of limiting factors makes their existence require special justification.
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    • 3.Simpler hypotheses (finite causes) require fewer assumptions than maximal ones, favoring lower prior probabilities by parsimony principles.
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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Prior probabilities over infinite/abstract entities may be undefined or non-standard; classical Bayesian methods assume finite, discrete outcome spaces.
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    • 2.Maximality might constitute a single, unified property rather than infinite independent ones, reducing combinatorial improbability significantly.
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    • 3.The argument assumes finite existence is the default baseline; if infinite being is necessary rather than contingent, prior probability becomes irrelevant.
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    Key Terms

    Bayesian grounds(as used in probability theory and epistemology)
    A method of reasoning where you update your beliefs by considering how new evidence should change your initial assumptions.
    Intrinsic improbability(as used in the argument about infinite beings)
    How unlikely something is to exist based on its own nature or definition alone, before considering any supporting evidence.
    Maximal properties(as used in philosophy of religion)
    Qualities or characteristics that are as great or perfect as possible—like being all-knowing, all-powerful, or all-good.
    Prior probability(Used to argue that theism's low prior probability is not overcome by ambiguous or absent evidence)
    The intrinsic probability of a hypothesis before taking any evidence into account
    Sobel and Oppy(as referenced philosophers)
    Jordan Sobel and Graham Oppy are philosophers who have written extensively critiquing arguments for God's existence, particularly regarding the probability of an infinitely perfect being.
    Stipulated entity(as used in philosophy of logic and metaphysics)
    A thing that is defined or assumed to exist simply because someone decided to define it that way, rather than something we observe in reality.

    Connections

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    Natural Theology1 linked

    Related

    Infinite beings lack the constraints that make finite entities probable; absence...Maximality might constitute a single, unified property rather than infinite inde...Prior probabilities over infinite/abstract entities may be undefined or non-stan...Property combinations grow exponentially; infinite properties require explaining...

    Details

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    Perspectives
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    Simpler hypotheses (finite causes) require fewer assumptions than maximal ones, ...The argument assumes finite existence is the default baseline; if infinite being...The existence of God is more probable than not (P-inductive cumulative case)