Cosmological Argument
The argument that everything that exists requires a cause; the universe exists; therefore, the universe must have a cause, which is God. Aquinas presented three cosmological arguments (first three ways), arguing that the chain of causation cannot extend infinitely backward but must terminate in an uncaused cause (God). The argument moves from contingent beings to a necessary being.
Real World
When NASA traces the origin of the solar system back to a collapsing nebula, and that nebula back to earlier stellar explosions, the chain of causes keeps extending. Aquinas argued such a chain cannot go back forever and must terminate in an uncaused first cause — God.
Exam Focus
Clearly state which of Aquinas's three Ways you are discussing — examiners penalise vague references to 'the cosmological argument' without specifics.
How well did you know this?