Aquinas

Question 1

Aquinas’ 5th Way: General Concept

Answer 1

Aquinas observed that natural objects/beings do not behave randomly, but move towards a certain goal or purpose (telos). Objects act ‘always, or nearly always’ in the same way to ‘obtain the best result’, showing regularity in a goal-directed manner.

Question 2

Aquinas’ 5th Way: Directed Behavior

Answer 2

Natural objects cannot direct themselves as they lack intelligence. Just as an archer directs an arrow, an intelligent being (God) directs natural objects through creating natural laws that govern their behavior towards an end.

Question 3

Aquinas’ 5th Way: Conclusion

Answer 3

P1: The behavior of objects is goal-directed towards an end, following natural laws.
P2: Natural laws cannot be created by non-intelligent objects.
C1: Natural laws must have an intelligent designer, which is God.

Question 4

Swinburne’s Temporal Order Argument

Answer 4

Swinburne, influenced by Aquinas, argues that the orderliness of natural laws (temporal order) suggests a designer. Science cannot explain why these specific laws exist, which points to a personal explanation (God).