The Complexity of a Simple God

Aquinas' Response to Richard Dawkins

Authors

  • Matthew Morris University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/axismundi88

Keywords:

creationism debate, Richard Dawkins, Thomas Aquinas, The First Way, The Five Ways, Doctrine of Divine Simplicity, evolution debate

Abstract

Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion is a recent popular attack on theism.  Rather than rely on empirical evidence, Dawkins attempts to disprove the existence of all supernatural entities through a philosophical argument: anything complex enough to create an organism must itself have been designed.  The validity of this argument rests on Dawkins’ use of Thomas Aquinas’ First Way.  This paper will explore Aquinas’ First Way and the Doctrine of Divine Simplicity in order to better assess Dawkins’ argument. 

Author Biography

Matthew Morris, University of Calgary

2nd Year PhD Ecology and Evolution

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Published

2017-10-08

How to Cite

Morris, M. (2017). The Complexity of a Simple God: Aquinas’ Response to Richard Dawkins. Axis Mundi, 9. https://doi.org/10.29173/axismundi88

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Section

Articles