The Problems Involved in Trying to Prove and Disprove the Existence of God

The Problems Involved in Trying to Prove and Disprove the Existence of God

Is there a God? This question remains unanswered. For thousands of

years philosophers have tried to find an answer and prove the

existence or non existence of God. But why do some people want to try

and prove the existence of God? Perhaps to find meaning in life, to

banish loneliness to re-enforce their own faith or to save atheists

from Hell. It would also be advantageous to human-kind as absolute

proof would prevent conflicts about God, thus creating universal peace

as far as religion is concerned. For some the definite existence of

God would act as a great comfort in that loved ones and they

themselves

would enter the afterlife after death.

A proof is an argument for the existence of God. Normally a proof is

presented as a premise (statement) and another premise which lead to a

conclusion (p+p=c) or one premise which in itself leads to a

conclusion. Proofs are classified into two different categories; A

priori and A posteriori. A priori proof is true by definition;

premises will lead to a conclusion which is logical and non

disputable. Conclusions of this sort include mathematical solutions

and tautologies. A posteriori proof however is inductively argued,

conclusions are only possible or probable. The conclusions are reached

through experience and not logic. Proofs of this kind often work from

a specific example to a more general conclusion.

One A priori argument for the existence of God is the ontological

argument. This states that:

P1: God is TTWNGCBC (that than which nothing greater can be conceived)

P2: TTWNGCBC possesses all perfections

P3: Existence is perfection.

C: God must exist.

If we except God as the greatest being imaginable, we must also accept

that He must exist because it is greater to do so than not to.

However, this proof is unconvincing in that no impericle evidence is

presented and it is also debatable than God is that than which nothing

greater can be conceived.