How the 60 research cases are combined
The earlier research register contained 60 cases. Here they are mapped into broader heads. A combined head can contain several distinct arguments; combining them does not mean treating them as identical. Each can still be discussed separately inside the relevant section.
1. Why does anything exist?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Contingency / necessary existence
Research cases covered: Contingency, Necessary Being, explanatory grounding
Kalam and beginning
Research cases covered: Kalam, Beginning of the Universe
Cosmic origin and Big Bang
Research cases covered: Big Bang, Cosmic Origin
2. Why this kind of universe?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Initial conditions and laws
Research cases covered: Initial Conditions, Laws of Nature
Mathematical order and beauty
Research cases covered: Mathematical Order, Beauty
Multiverse / anthropic reasoning
Research cases covered: Multiverse / Anthropic Reasoning
3. Why is life possible and complex?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Biological complexity / design
Research cases covered: Biological Complexity
Information and specified complexity
Research cases covered: Information, Specified Complexity
Irreducible complexity / exaptation
Research cases covered: Irreducible Complexity
4. Why are there minds?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Qualia and intentionality
Research cases covered: Qualia, Intentionality
Free will and foreknowledge
Research cases covered: Free Will, Omniscience/Free Will
5. Why are logic, truth and mathematics objective?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Abstract objects and universals
Research cases covered: Abstract Objects, Universals
Mathematical existence
Research cases covered: Mathematics / Abstract Objects
6. Are morality, value and meaning objective?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Moral values and obligations
Research cases covered: Morality, Objective Obligations
Moral accountability and ultimate justice
Research cases covered: Moral Accountability, Ultimate Justice
Meaning, purpose and flourishing
Research cases covered: Meaning/Purpose, Human Flourishing
7. Do humans encounter God?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Religious universality
Research cases covered: Universality of Religion
8. Why isn't God clearer?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Religious diversity and disagreement
Research cases covered: Religious Diversity, Religious Disagreement
9. Why is there suffering?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
10. Are God's attributes coherent?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Omniscience and free will
Research cases covered: Omniscience / Free Will
11. Can logic alone establish God?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
12. Can miracles reveal God?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
13. Is scripture revelation?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Qur'anic literary argument
Research cases covered: Qur'anic Literary Argument
Scientific miracle claims
Research cases covered: Scientific Miracle Claims
Prophetic character and knowledge
Research cases covered: Prophetic Character, Prophetic Knowledge
14. Do historical religious claims support a faith?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.
Survival under persecution
Research cases covered: Survival Under Persecution
15. Can pragmatic reasons justify religious commitment?
Related research cases are kept distinct below, but discussed together where that improves understanding.