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Religious Studies
15 Dec 2025
58
2 pages
Maddie @maddie_vzva
Ever wondered how philosophers try to prove God exists using logic and reasoning? St Thomas Aquinas developed three... Show more
You've probably noticed that everything around you seems to be in constant motion or change - from wood burning in a fire to leaves falling from trees. Aquinas used these everyday observations to build logical arguments for God's existence.
His approach was brilliant in its simplicity start with something everyone can observe, then follow the logic step by step. The cosmological argument works by examining cause and effect relationships in the universe and asking what started it all.
The key insight behind all three arguments is that infinite regress (going back forever with no beginning) seems impossible. If there's no first cause or prime mover, then nothing should exist at all - but clearly, we do exist!
Quick Tip Think of it like dominoes falling - if there's no first domino to knock over, none of the others would fall either.
The First Way starts with the fact that things are constantly changing around us. Since nothing can move or change itself, something else must cause each change. Following this chain backwards, there must be a prime mover - an unchanged changer that started everything moving.
The Second Way (Causation) follows similar logic but focuses on cause and effect. Every event has a cause, and nothing can cause itself. To avoid an impossible infinite chain of causes, there must be a first cause that wasn't caused by anything else.
The Third Way (Contingency) distinguishes between contingent beings (things that could exist or not exist, like you and me) and necessary beings (things that must exist). Since contingent things alone can't explain why anything exists at all, there must be at least one necessary being.
Remember All three arguments conclude that this first cause, prime mover, or necessary being is what we call God - though critics question whether this assumption is justified.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the contrasting philosophies of Rationalism and Empiricism through the works of Descartes, Hume, Plato, and Aristotle. This summary delves into key concepts such as a priori and a posteriori knowledge, the nature of reality, and the significance of sensory experience in understanding the world. Ideal for OCR RS A-Level students seeking to grasp foundational philosophical ideas.
Religious StudiesExplore the key concepts of Direct Realism in epistemology, including perception, hallucinations, and the time-lag argument. This summary provides a clear analysis of how we perceive the world and the implications for knowledge and reality. Ideal for AQA Philosophy A Level students.
Religious StudiesExplore the concepts of immediate and mediate revelation in this A-level Philosophy and Ethics study resource. Delve into key arguments from scholars like Aquinas, Hume, and Calvin, and examine the relationship between natural and revealed theology. This comprehensive summary includes essential quotes and insights for mastering the topic. Ideal for students aiming for top grades.
Religious StudiesExplore the contrasting views on the origins of the universe in this analytical essay. Delve into the strengths and weaknesses of scientific materialism versus Christian perspectives, including literal and liberal interpretations. Key concepts include the Big Bang theory, creation stories, and the cosmological argument. This comprehensive examination is essential for understanding the debate surrounding religious and scientific explanations of the universe's origins.
Religious StudiesExplore key concepts in the philosophy of soul, mind, and body, including dualism, materialism, and ancient Greek perspectives. This summary includes essential notes and potential exam questions to aid your understanding of major philosophical theories and debates.
Religious StudiesExplore the significance of religious language through verification, falsification, and eschatological verification. This study note delves into key philosophical arguments, including the teleological and ontological arguments, and the problem of evil, providing a comprehensive analysis for A-Level AQA Philosophy students.
Religious StudiesApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Maddie
@maddie_vzva
Ever wondered how philosophers try to prove God exists using logic and reasoning? St Thomas Aquinas developed three famous arguments called the "Three Ways" that attempt to demonstrate God's existence through observing the natural world around us.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
You've probably noticed that everything around you seems to be in constant motion or change - from wood burning in a fire to leaves falling from trees. Aquinas used these everyday observations to build logical arguments for God's existence.
His approach was brilliant in its simplicity: start with something everyone can observe, then follow the logic step by step. The cosmological argument works by examining cause and effect relationships in the universe and asking what started it all.
The key insight behind all three arguments is that infinite regress (going back forever with no beginning) seems impossible. If there's no first cause or prime mover, then nothing should exist at all - but clearly, we do exist!
Quick Tip: Think of it like dominoes falling - if there's no first domino to knock over, none of the others would fall either.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The First Way starts with the fact that things are constantly changing around us. Since nothing can move or change itself, something else must cause each change. Following this chain backwards, there must be a prime mover - an unchanged changer that started everything moving.
The Second Way (Causation) follows similar logic but focuses on cause and effect. Every event has a cause, and nothing can cause itself. To avoid an impossible infinite chain of causes, there must be a first cause that wasn't caused by anything else.
The Third Way (Contingency) distinguishes between contingent beings (things that could exist or not exist, like you and me) and necessary beings (things that must exist). Since contingent things alone can't explain why anything exists at all, there must be at least one necessary being.
Remember: All three arguments conclude that this first cause, prime mover, or necessary being is what we call God - though critics question whether this assumption is justified.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the contrasting philosophies of Rationalism and Empiricism through the works of Descartes, Hume, Plato, and Aristotle. This summary delves into key concepts such as a priori and a posteriori knowledge, the nature of reality, and the significance of sensory experience in understanding the world. Ideal for OCR RS A-Level students seeking to grasp foundational philosophical ideas.
Religious StudiesExplore the key concepts of Direct Realism in epistemology, including perception, hallucinations, and the time-lag argument. This summary provides a clear analysis of how we perceive the world and the implications for knowledge and reality. Ideal for AQA Philosophy A Level students.
Religious StudiesExplore the concepts of immediate and mediate revelation in this A-level Philosophy and Ethics study resource. Delve into key arguments from scholars like Aquinas, Hume, and Calvin, and examine the relationship between natural and revealed theology. This comprehensive summary includes essential quotes and insights for mastering the topic. Ideal for students aiming for top grades.
Religious StudiesExplore the contrasting views on the origins of the universe in this analytical essay. Delve into the strengths and weaknesses of scientific materialism versus Christian perspectives, including literal and liberal interpretations. Key concepts include the Big Bang theory, creation stories, and the cosmological argument. This comprehensive examination is essential for understanding the debate surrounding religious and scientific explanations of the universe's origins.
Religious StudiesExplore key concepts in the philosophy of soul, mind, and body, including dualism, materialism, and ancient Greek perspectives. This summary includes essential notes and potential exam questions to aid your understanding of major philosophical theories and debates.
Religious StudiesExplore the significance of religious language through verification, falsification, and eschatological verification. This study note delves into key philosophical arguments, including the teleological and ontological arguments, and the problem of evil, providing a comprehensive analysis for A-Level AQA Philosophy students.
Religious StudiesApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology