Contemporary Formulations and Scientific Challenges

Outline the logical structure of a contemporary Aristotelian proof for a first cause (e.g., Edward Feser's).

Analyze contemporary defenses of Aristotelian metaphysical concepts (e.g., actuality/potentiality, causality) against modern objections.

Distinguish between Aristotelian hierarchical/sustaining causality and the event-causality model used in modern physics.

Assess whether the principle of inertia in classical mechanics eliminates the need for a concurrent sustaining cause of motion.

Evaluate challenges to classical causal principles from quantum mechanics, such as quantum indeterminacy and virtual particles.

Analyze the coherence of the concept of 'pure actuality' (actus purus) using tools from contemporary metaphysics, such as modal logic.

Synthesize the strongest contemporary formulation of the unmoved mover argument and the most formidable objections it faces from philosophy and science.