ument is the argument from the formality of efficient causation. In this he states that there is an order of efficient causes in things that occur. Aquinas says that there is no evidence in which a thing is found to be the efficient cause of itself (Bowie, 58, Col.2). He states that there must be a first cause, which creates one or more intermediate causes, which then in turn creates an ultimate cause. According to Aquinas, without a cause, there can be no effect. Therefore without a first cause, there cannot be an intermediate or ultimate cause, or an ultimate effect. So according to Aquinas, there must have been some First Efficient Cause, which he claims is God.Aquinas third argument is from possibility and necessity. In this Aquinas states that things that can one day cease to exist could not have always existed. Aquinas says if everything could cease to exist, then at one time there could have been nothing in existence. (Bowie, 59, Col.1). He stated that if this were true then there would be nothing in existence now. This is because according to Aquinas, if nothing had existed, there would be nothing there to begin to exist. So therefore, according to Aquinas, there must be some being in existence that has always been there. This something has its own necessity and causes necessity in others. This being he believes to be God.Aquinas fourth argument is from gradation. Aquinas says that Among beings there are some more and some less good, true, noble, and the like (Bowie, 59, Col.1). But he states that more and less are dependent on the degree of most. An example he gives was that to be hotter, there has to be something that is hottest to judge it by. Aquinas also says as fireis the most complete form of heatthere must also be something which to all beings is the cause of their being (Bowie, 59, Col.2), and according to him, that something is God. He is thought of as the best, truest, and noblest being who is the ca...
