Philosophy A-Level
God as sustaining cause
What God as sustaining cause means in Philosophy A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of God as sustaining cause
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain God as sustaining cause in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A cause sufficient to sustain him at every moment must exist, and this cause must have the perfections he lacks, which Descartes identifies with God.
Topics that use God as sustaining cause
- Arguments relating to the existence of God (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Actual versus potential infinity
- Agency and causation as the distinguishing criterion
- Analogical and inductive reasoning
- Anselm's argument and its revival by Malcolm
- Argument from analogy
- Atemporal causation
- Cleanthes's design inference
- Conceivability and possibility
Using God as sustaining cause in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Philosophy questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Philosophy A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge