Philosophy - Cosmological Argument and the Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR)

  State the Cosmological Argument and explain how the Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR) is used to support the argument (i.e., tell which premises PSR supports and how it provides support). Give the Humean objection to the Cosmological Argument. Are we rationally compelled to believe in God on the basis of this argument? State why or why not. General Remarks about Philosophy Papers: 1. Write in a clear, concise, and well-organized way. 2. A philosophical paper should be rationally persuasive. 3. Even if you are subsequently going to criticize a piece of reasoning, state it first in a fair and sympathetic way. Make it clear why a reasonable person might be led to think in this way, even if you believe that the reasoning is ultimately not correct. 4. Avoid inflated rhetorical introductory remarks. Get right down to business. 5. Stick to the topic. Avoid rambling remarks about God, the meaning of life, etc. Also, don't discuss everything you know about the topic; rather, bring in only that information which is directly relevant. 6. Do not use quotations as a means of making your points-explain things in your own words. You should quote very sparingly, and whenever you do quote you should paraphrase the quotation. 7. Do not assume as understood points made in the lectures. You may make use of any example or illustration made in class (or in the text), but explain fully the point of the example or illustration in your own words. 8. A good way of thinking about the paper is to imagine that you are attempting to explain the material to a person who is rational and fairly well educated but who has no particular knowledge of the topic under discussion. 9. Define all technical terms. 10. Proofread!