Thinkers in the Medieval Period were preoccupied with problems..

Thinkers in the Medieval Period were preoccupied with problems..

Thinkers in the Medieval Period were preoccupied with problems surrounding

the existence of God. Avicenna took up the problem of the necessity of God’s existence. He solves the problem by resolving a series of issues surrounding it. The shortness of this argument provides us with a good opportunity to examine a complex philosophical argument and to judge its effectiveness.

Explain the problem Avicenna wishes to solve, and then paraphrase each of the steps in his argument and his final solution. What insights do the steps provide in our understanding of God? Can you think of any arguments that would counter Avicenna’s claim?