According to the specification, you need to be able to:

AO1 (30 mark questions)

**outline Aquinas' Cosmological Argument, with reference to:

• motion,
• The argument from motion
• causation,
• and contingency.

**You should also explain aspects of the argument, including:

• its basis in observation
• and the rejection of infinite regress

**You also need to explain the role of God in the argument (i.e. what it suggests about God).

God as the temporal first cause.

God as the sustainer of motion & causation.

God as the explanation of why there is something rather than nothing. 

You also need to explain key criticisms of the argument, including:

• the possibility of infinite regress
• the universe as a brute fact
• the fallacy of composition
• the identity of the necessary being as God,
• and drawing a conclusion that goes beyond the evidence.

AO2 (15 mark questions)

You need to evaluate and discuss:

• How far does the cosmological argument prove or show that it is reasonable to believe in God?

• The strengths and weaknesses of the argument.

• The value of this argument for religious faith.