Cosmological argument posits a necessary being from "summary" of Immanuel Kant: Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics by Immanuel Kant
The concept of the Cosmological argument positing a necessary being is a fundamental aspect of metaphysical inquiry. This argument seeks to establish the existence of a being that is necessary, that is, a being whose existence is not contingent upon anything else. In other words, this necessary being is not dependent on any external factors for its existence, but rather exists inherently and independently. This argument is rooted in the idea that everything in the natural world is contingent, meaning that its existence is dependent on other factors. For example, a tree exists because of the soil, water, sunlight, and other elements that sustain its life. However, if we trace back the chain of causation, we must eventually arrive at a being that is not contingent upon anything else for its existence. This being is what the Cosmological argument refers to as a necessary being. The concept of a necessary being is crucial in metaphysics because it provides a foundation for understanding the ultimate source of existence. By positing the existence of a necessary being, we can account for the existence of the contingent beings that make up the world around us. This necessary being serves as the uncaused cause, the ultimate explanation for why anything exists at all.- The idea of a necessary being raises important questions about the nature of existence and the relationship between contingent and necessary beings. It challenges us to consider the limits of our understanding and to grapple with the mysteries of existence beyond the material world. Ultimately, the concept of a necessary being invites us to contemplate the deeper truths of reality and to seek a more profound understanding of the nature of existence.
