The teleological argument

The teleological argument

The argument that since the universe is so well designed, then there must have been an intelligent designer who created the universe for a particular purpose

What kind of argument is the teleological argument?

An a posterior reasoning argument

A posterior reasoning

Knowledge that comes from experiences and facts

What evidence is the teleological argument based on?

Empirical evidence

Empirical evidence

Things people have experienced with their senses (mainly sight)

What does the Ancient Greek word ‘teleos’ mean?

‘End’ or ‘purpose’

What are the four points of order for the teleological argument?

1. The universe has order, purpose, and regularity

2. The complexity of the universe shows evidence

3. Such design needs a designer

4. The designer of the universe is God

What are the two parts of the teleological argument?

Design qua regularity and design qua purpose

Design qua regularity

Philosophers that believe the order and regularity of the universe is proof of a designer

Example: philosopher for the design qua regularity argument

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

Design qua purpose

Philosophers that look at the way the parts of the universe fit together for a function or purpose

Example: philosopher for the design qua purpose argument

William Paley (1743-1805)