Telological Argument (design argument)

What is a posteriori?

Arguments which depend on sense experience

What is inductive?

Arguments which supply strong evidence for the truth of the conclusion. Probabilistic

What is anthropomorphism

Attributing human form or ideas to beings other than humans such as onto God

What is the anthropic principle?

The belief that the boundary conditions of the universe had to be fine tuned by God otherwise intelligent life could never have developed. It is no accident that we are here

What are the three observations about the world that Paleys argument is based on

Complexity, regularity and purpose

What is Paleys Analogical Design Argument

• a watch has complex parts each with a function and the parts work together for a specific purpose

• So the watch must have been designed by a watchmaker

• Similarly the universe has parts that function together for a purpose

• So the universe must have been designed by a universe maker

• The universe is a far more wonderful design than a watch, so its designer is much greater than any human designer

• The universe designer is God

What is FR Tennants argument for the design argument?

The anthropic principle

There are 30+ boundary conditions that have to be fine tuned for an ordered universe containing intelligent life to develop. The odds against all the boundary conditions being exactly right are huge. Something must have designed it to bring about intelligent night

how does Polkinghorne argue for the design argument

Says science shows us a universe that is finely tuned and not just an accident. The best explanation is God. The approach is evidence based.

What is Humes critisism of the design argument?

He asks why not many Gods and that the argument does not prove the existence of the Christian God. Even if we grant that the universe is designed we have no evidence to suggest who by. And the existence of evil and imperfections in the world suggests a limited designer who makes mistakes.

Also says that this earth may be one of many and that there may have been many worlds created before that were imperfect and this is the final result

He says the world is also more like a vegetable than a pocket watch. Vegetables grow themselves without needing a designer. To make an analogy between human machines and the designer of the universe is anthropomorphism

How does Mill criticise the design argument

He observes that the natural world is filled with pain and suffering ‘nature kills’. It therefore does not suggest the existence of an omnibenevolent creator. This does not align with christian theism.

How does Richard Dawkins criticise the design argument?

He argues natural selection is the watchmaker. The appearance of design in nature can be explained by evolution. The world was not designed for us we adapted to it.

Does the design argument offer proof

Yes because most things they accept in life as true are based on inductive arguments. The stronger the evidence the more probable the claim. Many theists may agree it offers proof because it is consistent with their view in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The argument uses observation and empiricism with its a popular way of attaining proof

No because only deductive arguments can offer proofs the design argument is inductive so can never be certain so according to Pascal has little impact. Dawkins demonstrates significant flaws to the argument. Even if it proved design it can’t prove the designer. There are credible alternative explanations for the appearance of design and an atheist is unlikely to be satisfied. Fideists would argue that it can’t lead to knowledge of God as religion is a matter of faith not objective proofs and knowledge

Does the argument have value for faith?

Yes because Polkinghorne says faith is motivated by belief based on evidence. Paleys argument is rationally and empirically based so provides strong support for theists. It is consistent with bible teachings Genesis 1:1. It supports the belief of God

It does not as Pascal says faith is a matter of the heart not reason and we cannot prove the existence of God. For Fideists rational argument play no part in faith as they do not lead to commitment. Belief in God should be faith alone. Paleys argument does bot successfully address the problem of evil this may restrict the value for faith in an omnibenevolent God