General Cosmology

[cosmolo]gy, Natural Theology, and Physics: a utility which will be made abundantly clear in its proper place. Nor are these general notions easily assigned to the study of Physics—though it might seem they should be—for the reason that these principles must be utilized in Natural Theology. Natural Theology is profitably examined before Physics, even though Physics provides the principles for what I call experimental natural theology theologia naturalis experimentalis Wolff distinguishes between "experimental" theology (knowledge of God derived from observing nature) and "demonstrative" theology (knowledge derived from pure reason).. These physical principles are applied to confirm the dogmas of demonstrative natural theology by the power of cosmological notions, which serve as guiding rules.

Principles and object of Cosmology. Since in general Cosmology the world or the universe in general is viewed as a being ens, and specifically one that is composite and modifiable (§. 1.), and since those things that pertain to being in general are taught in Ontology or first philosophy philosophia prima (§. 1. Ontol.); and indeed, since the same discipline also provides the general theory of a composite being ens compositum (§. 531. and following, Ontol.); therefore, in general Cosmology, the theory of being in general and the general theory of a composite being—as taught in first philosophy—are applied to the world or universe in general. Consequently, the notions of general Cosmology must be demonstrated from the principles of first philosophy.

It is thus clear what subjects must be treated in Cosmology and how the philosopher fulfills his duty in this branch of philosophy. Nor is there any doubt that such a science is possible as the one we are outlining here as general Cosmology. For who is unaware that the world is a being ens, and one that is both composite and subject to change, since obvious experience makes this known to everyone? Therefore, since those things demonstrated in first philosophy concerning being in general are true of every being, and can be applied to every composite and modifiable being; it would border on a contradiction for anyone to dare to deny that the ontological theory of being in general and of composite, modifiable being can be applied to Cosmology. We shall experience this possibility through the actual practice of it, whenever one chooses to examine with careful industry the general Cosmology that we set forth here.

Method of confirmation Since the world which exists is open to our observations, and its general characteristics are derived from the world itself—without which the