Aristotle's Argument for God - Edward Feser

- VIDEO NOTES

Edward Feser is an American Catholic philosopher, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Pasadena City College in California.

He is the author of "Five Proofs of the Existence of God", and in this episode speaks about one of these: the Aristotelean argument from motion.

- LINKS

- TIMESTAMPS

0:00 The argument from motion - what is change?
14:54 Linear vs hierarchical causation
21:34 Establishing the unmoved mover
35:00 Objection 1: is "potential" just nothing?
40:52 Objection 2: the infinity problem
1:10:41 Objection 3: there is no purely actual thing
1:20:35 Objection 4: B theory of time

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[casparrii]

"You've got me here under false pretences! I didn't come here to talk about infinity! This interview is over!"

[jordanfindlay]

Podcast has been top class recently. Oppy, Rasmussen, Feser. What a time to be alive

[_abdul]

This is the First time I've seen an Argument for God with minimal discussion about God himself, That truly means these guys are really trying to understand and respect each other's stand very thoroughly, What a wonderful show. Thanks Alex for your wonderful work. Truly Appreciated.

[televizija]

As a Christian I admire Alex, he is polite, calm, rational, doesen't insult anyone, doesen't mock even if something sound stupid, asks questions, listens to answers, respects opponent..we need more people like him

[gor]

Damn, you got Feser on. I've always respected his work, and he was the first philosopher to introduce me to the philosophy of mind.

[jadondavid]

I love this form of discussion where Alex allows the person to form and present his argument uncontested and to even strongman the argument before raising objections

[DepthsOfBlues]

I can't imagine who Alex is dropping such content once a week. Keep up the hard work

[MahanFarzad]

Been an atheist for more than 10 years and listened to almost all debates for or against god, and almost all episodes of Alex and so on.
But this one right here with this gentleman Fesser, is the only one who made me actually rethink again. It was the only plausable explanation I have ever heard.
Very very interesting and mind challenging. At least for me.
I saw what he (fesser) meant. And I don't think Alex exactly saw it (or if he did, it didn't seem like that for me) because he kept presenting objections that were non-factors to me, which Fesser also pointed out.
I am honestly and personally thankful for Alex, his efforts and conversations and this channel, that has been always one of the best platforms to offer actual food for thought. Thank you alex, and thank you Mr. Fesser for such interesting arguements.

[Jordan-hufg]

i think i heard potential in this conversation more then ever in my life

[Epoch]

This is such a wonderful and interesting interview alex. I completely understand that an interview or debate with Ben Shapiro will generate more views and more Revenue. An interview like this one may not have the same amount of eyeballs on it but it is far more substantial and greatly more satisfying. Thank you for all this sort of work that you do.

[MarcosReyesMD]

Just wanted to say thank you Alex for your patience during a discussion, thoughtful questions, and crisp explanations of your views. As an LDS member I find these excellent qualities.

[Just.arandom]

Feser is a genius. Truly remarkable to hear him speak.

[RavynSent]

Set Fesers to FUN! Hey professor, it’s been a few years but I’m glad to see you get the recognition you deserve these last few years. You’re a wonderful teacher and I hope you keep popping up in discussions like this.

[benh]

I very much appreciate the quality of this interview

[tomgreene]

Great discussion conducted without shouting, ridicule or bad manners ...a real triumph...well done to these men and long may they continue .

[Joeonline]

Damn, Vervaeke and now Feser. Alex is getting some big hitters on this podcast. If he can get David Bentley Hart on I will be especially impressed. That's a challenge to you, sir😁

[antoinelangree]

One of my favorite episodes thus far; just the right balance of technical robustness and accessibility to the viewer. Only complaint is that it was so short!

[CatholicWay]

I'm a big fan of Dr. Feser's work, so it's pretty cool to see him on one of my favorite podcasts! Even though I disagree with Alex, I respect his pursuit of truth.

[davidcoleman]

A very good interview! O'Connor is correct in observing that actual infinites are real states of being in potency on the theory of act/potency, and Feser is correct that said observation does not affect the force of the argument from motion because he agrees that at least some actual infinites can exist as real capacities (potencies) in beings. I am of the opinion that the Five Ways, particularly the first two, are the strongest arguments for the existence of God.

That said, a potential infinite isn't an actual infinite. The capacity to exist in an infinite number of ways does not mean that the thing in question _actually_ exists in an infinite number of ways.

[musicproclaimed]

As a member of the philosophical community I am so happy to watch all that you post. Your content really sheds a light on the power of critical thinking and does an excellent job at exposing the greater public to stuff that although is somewhat digitally accessible tends to go unnoticed. It makes me feel seen in someway I can’t describe it. I’m happy you are a content creator.