GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

What aspect do Catholics reject when supporting the cosmological argument?

1. Infinite chains of cause and effect

2. Materialism

3. Modern science

4. The theory of evolution

The correct answer is: Infinite chains of cause and effect

The correct choice is the idea of infinite chains of cause and effect. Catholics supporting the cosmological argument believe that there must be a first cause or an uncaused cause that initiated the existence of everything, rather than accepting the notion of an infinite regress of causes. This belief aligns with the philosophical reasoning behind the cosmological argument, which posits that everything that exists has a cause, and ultimately, there must be a foundational cause that is not contingent on anything else. In this context, the rejection of infinite chains of cause and effect is fundamental because it maintains the necessity of a starting point for existence, which many Catholics identify with God. This perspective highlights the belief in a purposeful and directed creation rather than an endless cycle of causal relations with no beginning. While materialism, modern science, and the theory of evolution are significant topics of discussion within the Catholic faith, they do not directly pertain to the core assertion of the cosmological argument regarding the nature of causation and existence.