Argument from consciousness

J.P. Moreland

The argument from consciousness is an argument for the existence of God based on the problems consciousness poses for the atheistic worldview. The best-known defender of the argument from consciousness is J.P. Moreland. See: Atheism and consciousness

• Nature consists of a finite number of elements.
• We (our physical bodies) consist of those elements.
• The elements themselves which we consist of, and nature itself, have no consciousness.
• Despite our elements themselves having no consciousness, we do.
• Consciousness can not happen by chance, therefore there must be a being who supply that to us.
• Infinite regress of beings is illogical, therefore a single, uncaused causer must be the causer of consciousness.
• This uncaused causer of the conscience is God

Professor John Piippo on the argument from consciousness:

• The Argument from Consciousness for the Existence of God by John Piippo
• Consciousness: One of Atheism's Irresolvable Problems by John Piippo

Objections

• This argument fails to address gestalt consciousness.
• Evolutionists typically argue that consciousness may happen by chance. However, this is highly illogical and unlikely, so is yet another weak argument for atheism (see: Atheism and irrationality).
• Infinite regress is allowable both in modern mathematics and physics.
• The last point (that the uncaused causer is God) is unsupported unless it is taken as a statement of definition. If this is the case, the prior arguments are unnecessary.