God, Reason and Theistic Proofs

by Stephen T. Davis

Overview

Attempting to prove the existence of God is an ancient and venerable tradition within the discipline known as the philosophy of religion. But can we truly prove the existence of God using human reason alone? Just how do we prove the existence of God? Why try? Which, if any, of the various theistic proofs are persuasive? God, Reason, and Theistic Proofs tackles these fundamental questions head-on.

Stephen T. Davis examines a cross-section of theistic proofs that have been offered by theologians and thinkers from Anselm to Paley, explaining in clear terms what theistic proofs are and what they try to accomplish. He then goes on to explore in depth the relationship between theistic proofs and religious realism, the ontological argument for the existence of God, the cosmological and teleological arguments, the position known as foundationalism, and the argument from religious experience.

Wisely structured and clearly written, this volume will make an excellent resource for those looking for a comprehensive introduction to the debate surrounding the existence of God, or for those seeking intellectual validation for their faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802844507
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	10/23/2003
Series:	Reason and Religion Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	220
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. What is a Theistic Proof?

I. Defining the concept
II.The goal of a theistic proof
III. Assumptions of theistic proofs
IV.What if a theistic proof were successful?
V. Do theistic proofs accomplish anything?

2. The Ontological Argument

I. Introduction II. Anselm's argument
III. Gaunilo's criticisms of the OA
IV.Kant's criticism
V. Rowe's criticism
VI. Two brief 'refutations' of the OA

3. Theistic Proofs and Religious Realism

I. Religious nonrealism
II. Anselm on 'conceiving'
III. D. Z. Phillips' position
IV. Anselm against Phillips
V. Conclusion

4. The Cosmological Argument

I. Introduction: Aquinas' versions of the CA
II. The Third Way
III. Why is infinite regress impossible in a hierarchical series?
IV.Criticisms of the CA

5. Theistic Proofs and Foundationalism

I. Introduction
II.Reformed epistemology
III. Analysing Plantinga's argument
IV. Criticisms of foundationalism

6. The Design Argument

I. Introduction
II.Paley's version of the DA
III. Hume's objections
IV. Evolution as a criticism of the DA
V. Newer versions of the DA
VI. Criticisms of newer DAs
VII. Conclusion
VIII. Swinburne and Bayes' Theorem

7. Religious Experience

I. Introduction
II.Religious experience as a theistic proof
III. Swinburne's argument
IV.Objections to the argument
V. Conclusion

8. Other Theistic Proofs

I. Ontological argument number 2
II.A generic cosmological argument
III. The moral argument
IV.The Kalaam cosmological argument

9. Alternatives to Theistic Proofs

I. Introduction
II.Pascal's Wager
III. Criticisms of the Wager
IV.James' argument
V. Objections to James' argument

10. Conclusion

I. Introduction
II.How important is the existence of God?
III. Do theistic proofs prove the existence of God?
IV.The value of theistic proofs

Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

"I can think of no better single source for reflecting upon the theistic proofs for God's existence than Stephen Davis' God, Reason, and Theistic Proofs.... His book is marked by clarity rather than creativity; readers will discover no new arguments and little in the way of new spins on old arguments. They will find, instead, a clear and careful exposition of traditional as well as new theistic proofs with some especially winsome illustrations and amplifications of moves in the arguments.... God, Reason & Theistic Proofs is an invaluable resource for those who want to think hard about the existence of God, whether they be theists or atheists.... This is a book worth reading, indeed, worth re-reading."

The Cresset

A judicious review of a wide spectrum of theistic proofs from the sympathetic but not uncritical vantage point of a believer.

The Thomist

This is a very good book and will be appreciated even by those who remain skeptical of its conclusions.

Theology (U.K.)

Exemplary about this volume is its appropriateness as a university classroom text and its detailed discussion of the complex relationship between foundationalism and the theistic proofs.

Religious Studies Review

"In God, Reason and Theistic Proofs, Stephen Davis provides a marvelous introduction to theistic argumentation and this growing literature.... Davis is a distinguished philosopher of religion who writes with clarity and sensitivity.... Would make a fine text in philosophy of religion class or a general introduction to philosophy of religion for lay readers."

Theology Today