Deck 5: Thomas Aquinas: The Five Ways

Question 1

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas says that if all things are capable of not existing, there was a time when

A) nothing existed in the universe.
B) nothing begat something in the universe.
C) some things were infinite.
D) some things were beyond time.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas says that things in the universe that move toward a goal must be

A) without direction.
B) without some intelligence to guide them.
C) unguided.
D) guided by some intelligence.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-According to Aquinas, it is necessary that there be an Unmoved Mover.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas thinks that an infinite series of causes is repugnant to reason.

Question 5

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas believes that the universe exists necessarily.

Question 6

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas is a religious skeptic.

Question 7

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas believes that the existence of God cannot be demonstrated through philosophy.

Question 8

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas's fourth argument is that because there are degrees of excellence, there must be a perfect being from whence come all excellences.

Question 9

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas thinks that reason can show the way to some of God's truths.

Question 10

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas asserts that the harmony that exists in nature is no proof of God's existence.

Question 11

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas argues that because there are dependent beings, there must be an independent or necessary being on whom the dependent beings rely for their subsistence.

Question 12

In this reading Russell argues that the value of philosophy is not in any ability to produce material goods ("philosophy bakes no bread") or arrive at definitive conclusions about the nature of reality. Its value comes from its effect on the lives of those who take it seriously. By studying the perennial questions of philosophy, we enhance our appreciation of what is possible, weaken the dogmatism that prevents exploration and speculation, and render the mind great through contemplation of the greatness of the universe.
-Aquinas says that the existence of God can be proved through mathematics.