Metaphysics of God

The Metaphysics of God module in AQA A-Level Philosophy explores the philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of God, and the coherence of divine attributes. This topic is central to understanding how philosophers use reason and logic to address questions that lie at the intersection of faith, science, and ethics. Students will engage with classical arguments such as the Ontological, Cosmological, and Teleological arguments, as well as the Problem of Evil, which challenges the existence of an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God. The module also examines religious language and whether it is meaningful, drawing on verification and falsification principles.

This topic matters because it develops critical thinking skills that are applicable beyond philosophy. By analysing arguments like Anselm's Ontological Argument or Hume's criticisms of the Teleological Argument, students learn to evaluate deductive and inductive reasoning, identify logical fallacies, and construct coherent counterarguments. The Metaphysics of God also connects to broader philosophical debates about realism, anti-realism, and the nature of truth, making it a cornerstone of the A-Level syllabus. Mastery of this topic requires careful attention to the nuances of each argument and the ability to compare and contrast different philosophical perspectives.

Within the wider AQA A-Level Philosophy course, the Metaphysics of God is one of four compulsory modules (alongside Epistemology, Moral Philosophy, and Metaphysics of Mind). It typically accounts for 25% of the final assessment, with questions ranging from 3-mark definitions to 25-mark essays. Students must be prepared to discuss both historical and contemporary philosophers, including Aquinas, Paley, Hume, Kant, and Plantinga. Success in this module hinges on precise use of philosophical terminology and the ability to structure arguments coherently under timed conditions.