GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

Why might visions not be accepted as proof of God's existence?

1. They are always well-documented

2. They happen every day

3. They could be hallucinations or wish fulfillment

4. They are universally accepted as divine

The correct answer is: They could be hallucinations or wish fulfillment

The reasoning for why visions might not be accepted as proof of God's existence centers on the possibility that these experiences could be attributed to psychological phenomena rather than to a divine source. Visions can be subjective and vary greatly from person to person—some might interpret their experiences as divine communications, while others may suggest they are a result of hallucinations, intense emotions, or psychological conditions. Such explanations cast doubt on the reliability and validity of visions as definitive evidence for God's existence, as they do not provide an objective standard that can be universally applied. In contrast, the other options do not adequately address the inherent subjectivity and variability of visions. While documentation exists for some visions, it does not guarantee their authenticity or divine origin. Additionally, the fact that visions can occur frequently does not inherently validate them as proof of God's existence; rather, it illustrates the complexity of human experiences. Lastly, the notion that visions are universally accepted as divine is not accurate, as interpretations of such experiences vary widely across different cultures and belief systems. Consequently, the possibility of visions being hallucinations or wish fulfillment stands as a compelling reason why they may not serve as adequate proof of the existence of God.