Introduction to Philosophy

1. A contingent being (a being that if it exists can not-exist) exists.
2. This contingent being has a cause of or explanation^[1] for its existence.
3. The cause of or explanation for its existence is something other than the contingent being itself.
4. What causes or explains the existence of this contingent being must either be solely other contingent beings or include a non-contingent (necessary) being.
5. Contingent beings alone cannot provide an adequate causal account or explanation for the existence of a contingent being.
6. Therefore, what causes or explains the existence of this contingent being must include a non-contingent (necessary) being.
7. Therefore, a necessary being (a being that if it exists cannot not-exist) exists.

Necessary and Contingent

Necessary and Contingent Truths

Necessary and Contingent Things