Consider the following passage: The first and most manifest way is the argument
ID: 3459879 • Letter: C
Question
Consider the following passage: The first and most manifest way is the argument from motion. It is certain and evident to our senses that some things are in motion. Whatever is in motion is moved by another.... For 'motion' means the reduction of something from a state of potentiality into a state of actuality. But a thing can be reduced from a state of potentiality into a state of actuality only by something already in a state of actuality.... It is impossible for the same thing should be simultaneously in a state of actuality and potentiality from the same point of view, but only from different points of view.... Therefore, whatever is in motion must be put in motion by another, and that by another again. This cannot go on to infinity, because then there would be no first mover, and, consequently, no other movers--since subsequent movers only move insofar as they are put in motion by the first mover.... Therefore it is necessary to arrive at a first mover, put in motion by no other; and this everyone understands to be God.
1. Please formalize the argument presented in this passage.
For example: Drunk driving is very dangerous.
You can't control the car after drinking.
Therefore, you will die if you keep drinking and driving.
2. Please present your one best criticism of the argument presented in the passage
Explanation / Answer
1. The arguement for this statement is as following:
Nothing can move in its own. Everything in motion is moved initially by something. There is no infinity in putting things to motion. Therefore, God is the initial mover of things and keeps the things to continue in motion.
2. This arguement lacks any proof or evidence. There is no logical thinking for this argument and is just an assumption that God is the initial mover.