Is the Big Bang the Sole Cause of the Universe? A Response to John J. Park

Acta Analytica 31 (3):337-344 (2016)
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Abstract

In a recent paper, John J. Park argues (1) that an abstract object can bring a universe into existence, and (2) that, according to the Big Bang Theory, the initial singularity is an abstract object that brought the universe into existence. According to Park, if (1) and (2) are true, then the kalam cosmological argument fails to show that the cause of the universe must be divine. I argue, however, that both (1) and (2) are false. In my argument I analyse the abstract/concrete distinction and conclude that, by its nature, an abstract object is causally inefficacious in the sense that it cannot bring something into existence.

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References found in this work

Philosophy of Physics: Space and Time.Tim Maudlin - 2012 - Princeton University Press.
Abstract objects.Gideon Rosen - 2008 - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Theories of everything: the quest for ultimate explanation.John D. Barrow - 1991 - New York: Oxford University Press. Edited by John D. Barrow.
New theories of everything: the quest for ultimate explanation.John D. Barrow - 1991 - New York: Oxford University Press. Edited by John D. Barrow.
Nominalism in metaphysics.Gonzalo Rodriguez-Pereyra - 2008 - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

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