We have an idea of God, which is the greatest possible being.
Existence is a quality of perfection.
If God does not exist, then the idea of God is not "the greatest possible being."
Therefore: It is impossible that God does not exist (i.e., God does exist).
Cosmological Argument, St. Augustine/Fr. Norris Clarke
There must be one first cause from which other things begin because there cannot be an infinite sequence of causes.
Any first cause, or un-caused being must be perfect, infinite, and all powerful, it must contain every perfection, without any limitation.
There can be only one first cause, unused being because any distinction creates a limitation.
Teleological Argument
Teleology - study of purposes, function, design, goals
Intelligent Design - the idea that the universe was created by an intelligent designer.
The teleological argument has been made by many people in slightly different versions. The simplest versions points out the order and purposes that seem apparent in nature (for example, the purpose of the heart is to pump blood through the body) and suggest the best explanation is that there was an intelligent designer.
The Privileged Planet Argument (This is an expansion of the traditional teleological argument)
The Principle of Mediocrity suggests that earth and humanity are insignificant
The odds of complex life existing on earth are extremely rare.
The universe must have been created by an intelligent designer/being
The intelligent designer wants us to explore the universe and uncover its mysteries.
Inner Proof, Fr. Norris Clarke
There is a uniquely human desire to know.
We enjoy learning, but one can never know enough to satisfy our appetite for knowledge.
The only way for us to be satisfied is to raise with a being who can satisfy that appetite, one with full knowledge.
Study Guide Know who advanced each argument Know the order of each argument, including the one advanced in The Privileged Planet Know definitions: teleology, intelligent design Be prepared to write a short essay explaining which of the 4 proofs you prefer