arguments for existence of God

Question 1

the design argument, william paleys analogical argument key points:

Answer 1

-a posteriori
-inductive
-analogical
-natural theology
-based on observation

Question 2

paleys analogy

Answer 2

when walking across rough ground, stubbing one’s toe against a stone would not raise the question of how the stone came to be there. In coming across a watch, however, it would be reasonable to ask that question.

Question 3

paleys argument

Answer 3

1) observation would point to watches complexity and purpose

2) a complete explanation requires reference to its purpose-giver

3) an intelligent watchmaker must have designed it

1) the universe is complex it shows same precise suitability of parts and arrangement to serve its purpose

2) couldn’t have occurred by chance must be a universe-maker

3) far greater complexity of the world requires an infinitely greater designer

4) the universe designer is god

Question 4

illustrations by paley given to support his argument:

Answer 4

-eye
-fish
-birds

Question 5

paleys design argument weaknesses

Answer 5

-claims made by theism about nature of a designer god go way beyond evidence

-existence of evil suggests incompetent, indifferent or malevolent designer

-order, purpose designer are just chance,, support for this from darwin and dawkins

-universe designed itself by chance, support from multiverse theories

Question 6

paleys argument strengths

Answer 6

-swinburne argued that the existence of a single omnipotent god is the simplest explanation

-paley said evil might be unavoidable for god to bring about good.

-evolution itself requires explanation. it is not incompatible with theism.

-paleys claim that ‘nature shows intention’ is supported by the anthropic principle. the multiverse theory is incapable of proof

Question 7

paleys argument as proof

Answer 7

-most things that we accept as true in life are based on inductive arguments. they are accepted as ‘true beyond reasonable doubt’. the stronger the evidence, the more probably true a claim is.

-some would argue that the laws of nature require explanation and that we cannot be sure that the multiverse theory is true. this means that the challenges do not diminish the probability that paleys argument is true

Question 8

paleys cannot offer proof

Answer 8

-only deductive arguments can give absolute proof. the design argument is inductive, so can never be absolutely certain.

-paleys observations to support his argument can be explained naturally eg regular rotation of the planets is due to gravity. if the multiverse theory is true. then the apparent design is pure chance