what is the teleological argument of Aquinas?

• Natural Theology: attempts to demonstrate the existence of God and His nature, using human reason and observing the natural world

• Revealed Theology: knowledge believed to be shown by humanity by divine intervention e.g. truths about life after death, the saving power of Jesus, etc

st thomas aquinas combines faith & reason:

• 13th century Catholic monk (1225-74) who believed God could be reached by revelation as well as reason

• supporter of natural and revealed theology

• heavily influenced by Aristotle

  • Aristotle is seen as founder of many natural sciences as he was a natural world-observer > saw intelligence in the universe

• Aquinas came up with 5 arguments to prove God’s existence - ‘Five Ways’

• teleological arguments falls under the 5th way: “God must exist”

The 5th Way Teleological Argument:

• there are beings without knowledge that act for ends

• if a being without knowledge acts for an end, then it must be because it is directed by a being with knowledge and intelligence

• therefore, there must be a being with knowledge and intelligence…God