Indian River State College Existence of God Priori Posteriori Proof Essay

In this essay, you should defend a thesis on the subject of whether an argument for God’s existence can be logically provided:

• Briefly develop an a priori proof for God’s existence.
• Then, briefly develop an a posteriori proof for God’s existence.
• What is the difference between then, and is one or the other a more successful strategy for arguing for the existence of God?

(Hint: if you type “a priori proof for God’s existence” and/or “a posteriori proof for God’s existence” into google, you will almost certainly be rewarded with the wrong, incorrect, or irrelevant arguments, resulting in a poor foundation for this essay assignment)

1. A short introductory paragraph, with a clear thesis statement (e.g., I shall argue that Plato’s argument is … because …). Your thesis should almost always be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.
2. A short, charitable reconstruction of the argument as presented by the philosopher whose position you rely on (you may, but need not, use standard premise / conclusion form).
3. An brief explanation, in your own words, of the position that you’re describing (such as the Categorical Imperative, Justice as Fairness, etc.)
4. An original argument, in which you make the case that answers the question, based on the philosophical position under investigation.
5. A suitable concluding paragraph.
6. Make reference to, and discuss meaningfully, at least two of the philosophers that we’ve read so far in the course