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===II: The Second Way (also known as the Demonstration from efficient causes leading up to a first Cause)===

===II: The Second Way (also known as the Demonstration from efficient causes leading up to a first Cause)===

1. In the world we see that nothing can be the cause of itself, otherwise it would exist prior to itself

1. In the world it is seen that nothing can be the cause of itself, otherwise it would exist prior to itself

 

2. Therefore, every thing that begins to exist has a cause of its existence.

2. Therefore, every thing that begins to exist has a cause of its existence.

3. It cannot be that every being is caused by another being, otherwise there will be no end.

3. It cannot be that every being is caused by another being, otherwise there will be no end.

4. Therefore, a first being exists, without beginning, and as first cause of all beings.

4. Therefore, a first being exists, without beginning, and as first cause of all beings.