90 - Aquinas' Five Ways Pt. 1

90 - Aquinas' Five Ways Pt. 1

Author: Dr Caitlin West April 16, 2025 Duration: 35:42
Crash Course Catholicism
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityChristianitySpirituality

Welcome to our deep-dive into the question: How do we know God exists?

In this series, we return to the topic of God's existence, which we covered aaall the way back in Episode 2 (!!), and we break it open to explore it more deeply.

In this episode, we look at St. Thomas Aquinas's first three 'ways', or arguments for God's existence. These are among the most famous arguments for the existence of God, and they have been hugely influential in the history of the Philosophy of Religion. They have also been at times misunderstood and misrepresented, so in this series we're taking the time to delve deep and understand what, exactly, Aquinas is arguing.

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References and further reading/listening/viewing:Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae Part 1, Question 2

Summa Contra Gentiles

Edward Feser:

Aquinas: A Beginner's Guide

Five Proofs of the Existence of God

"Scholastic regress arguments"

Catholic Answers, "What Caused God?"

Peter Kreeft, "The First Cause Argument"

Summa of the Summa

Thomas Joseph White:

"The First Way"

"The Second Way"

"The Third Way (I, 2, 3)"

The Thomistic Institute:

"Five Ways to Prove God Exists (Aquinas 101)"

"St. Thomas Aquinas' Favorite Argument for the Existence of God (Aquinas 101)"

"What's Wrong With St. Thomas Aquinas' First Proof for the Existence of God? (Aquinas 101)"

"How St. Thomas Aquinas' Second Way for Proving the Existence of God Works (Aquinas 101)"

"How St. Thomas Proves God's Existence Through Efficient Causality (Aquinas 101)"

"What is Efficient Causality? (Aquinas 101)"

"St. Thomas' Third Way: You Didn't Have To Exist—But You Do! (Aquinas 101)"

"The Third Way: How St. Thomas Argues for God’s Existence From Contingency (Aquinas 101)"

"The Third Way: Another Take On The Argument (Aquinas 101)"

Bishop Barron on Thomas Aquinas and the Argument from Motion



For anyone curious about the foundations, traditions, and everyday implications of the Catholic faith, Crash Course Catholicism offers a thoughtful and accessible entry point. Hosted by theologian Dr Caitlin West, this podcast breaks down complex theological concepts, historical context, and Church teachings into clear, manageable conversations. Each fortnightly episode focuses on a specific topic-from the sacraments and scripture to moral philosophy and liturgical practice-providing listeners with a structured yet engaging overview. Dr West’s approach is both scholarly and welcoming, making centuries of tradition feel relevant and comprehensible. Whether you're a lifelong parishioner seeking a refresher, someone exploring spirituality, or simply a person with questions about the world's largest Christian denomination, this series is designed to inform without overwhelming. Tune in for a calm, considered journey through the pillars of Catholic thought, all delivered in short, easy-to-digest segments perfect for a daily commute or quiet moment of reflection. You can find more from Dr Caitlin West and the podcast at her website.
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