Objections to Charles Peirce's Article, A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God
ABSTRACT: Charles S. Peirce sketches "a nest of three arguments for the Reality of God" in his article "A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God." I provide careful analysis and explication of Peirce's argument, along with consideration of some objections. I argue that (1) there are significant differences between Peirce's neglected argument and the traditional arguments for God's existence; (2) Peirce's analysis of the neglected argument into three arguments is misleading; (3) there are two distinct levels of argument that Peirce does not recognize; and (4) it is doubtful whether the argument meets all the criteria set by Peirce himself.
Charles S. Peirce published in the Hibbert Journal in 1908 an article titled, "A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God." The article sketches what Peirce calls, in a later comment, "a nest of three arguments for the Reality of God" (6.486). (1)
I provide an analysis of Peirce's argument and his interpretation of it along with a consideration of some objections. I shall argue:
(1) that there are significant differences between Peirce's neglected argument and the traditional arguments for God's existence;
(2) that Peirce's own analysis of the neglected argument into three arguments is misleading;
(3) that there are two distinct levels of argument that Peirce does not acknowledge, and
(4) that it is doubtful the argument meets all the criteria Peirce himself establishes.
I trust that your response to what I have to say will not mirror the response Michael Raposa reports he received from a "prominent American philosophical theologian," when he gave a presentation on this topic; that...
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... 77-78. Also, if we follow Karl Barth. s interpretation of Anselm. s ontological argument, then the prayerful context in which Anselm offers his argument gives it a more religious cast. However, whatever similarities may exist I think it vital to recognize the differences otherwise one will expect to find yet another bit of metaphysical argumentation about God and be disappointed at not finding it.
(5) It must, however, be admitted that if everyone who mused reached the same conclusion, this rather impressive fact would cry out for some explanation.
(6) C.F. Delany, "Peirce on the Hypothesis of God," op. cit., p. 735.
(7) Donna Orange, Peirce's Conception of God. op. cit., p. 86.
(8) Michael L. Raposa, Peirce's Philosophy of Religion. op. cit., p. 128.
(9) John E. Smith, "The Tension Between Direct Experience and Argument in Religion." op. cit., p. 497.
2) Whatever is moved is moved by another [for nothing can be or should be moved itself (pg. 128)]
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to so many things to survive (i.e. technology, fashion trends, laws, etc.), then why has it taken
He institution (the authorities) keeps correct doctrines and teach them to people when they are young, and nonconformists are silenced. When the doctrines change, the individuals don’t recognize it because it happens very slowly. Peirce argues that “this is the main and the best method to govern the masses, and especially theological and political doctrines are uphold by this method (i.e. we have a totalitarian system). It leads to peace, although slowly, and in the cost of individual freedom. It is also incomplete method, because everything cannot be regulated, but only the main opinions, and there will always exist dissident
A Christian apologetic method is a verbal defense of the biblical worldview. A proof is giving a reason for why we believe. This paper will address the philosophical question of God’s existence from the moral argument. The presuppositional apologetic method of Reformed thinkers Cornelius Van Til and John Frame will be the framework. Topics covered here could undoubtedly be developed in more depth, but that would be getting ahead, here is the big picture.
The emergence of the Internet and the World Wide Web brought upon a medium of communication with a range of opportunities for the world. However, this medium is, in due course, subject to the control of a few major companies. The enigma of information flow is the central concern of net neutrality. Consumers, competition and network owners would benefit directly from the regulation of network neutrality because it would provide a positive impact to those parties as well as provide equality.
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Peterson, Michael - Hasker, Reichenbach and Basinger. Philosophy of Religion - Selected Readings, Fourth Edition. 2010. Oxford University Press, NY.
William Paley and David Hume’s argument over God’s existence is known as the teleological argument, or the argument of design. Arguments from design are arguments concerning God or some type of creator’s existence based on the ideas of order or purpose in the universe. Hume takes on the approach of arguing against the argument of design, while Paley argues for it. Although Hume and Paley both provide very strong arguments, a conclusion will be drawn at the end to distinguish which philosopher holds a stronger position. Throughout this essay I will be examining arguments with reference to their work from Paley’s “The Watch and the Watchmaker” and Hume’s “The Critique of the Teleological Argument”.
Roberts, Richard M. "Network Secrurity." Networking Fundamentals. 2nd ed. Tinley Park, IL: Goodheart-Willcox, 2005. 599-639. Print.
Wolk, H., Dodd, J., & Tearney, M. (2003). Accounting Theory: Conceptual Issues in a Political and Economic Environment (6th edition ed.). South-Western College Pub.
“Political context includes aspects such as the distribution of power, the range of organizations involved and their interests, and the formal and informal rules that govern the interactions among different players. Political context shapes the way in which policy processes work” (Nash, R., Hudson, A., and Luttrell, C., 2006). It is important to understand the political context in which a social policy issue is embedded. When I think of context, I think of action. An advocate that is trying to influence policy would be concerned about political contexts because it would determine the likelihood, suitability, and capabilities of his/her behavior (action) and conduct while seeking to institute change. By understanding the political context in which a social policy issue is embedded, one’s strategy and approach can be outlined to understand the manner in which changes can be made. Progress can be slow without understanding the political context. An advocate may understand what needs to be changed but may not understand why the change did not occur. The advocate may also be able to institute change in social policy issues if the advocate has a great understanding of the political context. The advocate must be able to align himself/herself with those that can be recruited to change the context of a policy. The advocate can also determine the severity of instituting the change and the probability of getting the change. “The appropriate level of action and type of advocacy strategy will depend on the political, social and economic situation prevailing at a given point in time” (Rietbergen,-McCracken, J., n.d.).
Sirico, Robert A. "Don’t Censor the Internet." Forbes 29 July 1996: 48. [Editorial outlining concerns about governmental control of the Internet and alternatives.]
1) Oxford Readings in Philosophy. The Concept of God. New York: Oxford University press 1987
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