Arguments On Observation Flashcards
What did scholar William Paley believe?
“Natural Theology”
Watch analogy
Even if it doesn’t work properly doesn’t mean it wasn’t designed
Universe is too complex in design to be random chance - eye example
Pointed out relationships in solar system I.e. gravity could have come about without design principle at work
What did scholar Richard Dawkins argue?
Can’t ignore idea of chance due to him looking at genetics
Genetic mutations which are random
These random changes lead to amazing diversity in nature
Why did scholar Thomas Aquinas argue?
“Summer theologica” “Five ways” Appears to be an order to the earth If something lacks awareness/consciousness but moves towards a goal that that thing must be under some sort of direction Arrow and archer Saw order in actions and motions Add quote
What did Hume argue?
“Dialogues concerning natural religion”
Is it possible order of universe came from chance
Universe is made up of a finite number of particles moving randomly through infinite time and it’s inevitable those particles will achieve a state of life - random chance
What did Charles Darwin argue?
Theory of evolution
Principle of natural selection can answer all problems of nature
What did scholar tennant argue?
“Philosophical Theology”
Took Darwinism into account - god arranged universe for life to evolve
Aesthetic argument - humanity has ability to appreciate beauty and this isn’t necessary for basic survival so must be divine creator
Anthropoid principle - genesis presentation of creations is designed for humans to confirm it by science
5 strands of theory
What did scholar Hume argue against tennant?
World isn’t perfect so Christian/theist god cannot be cause of world as he’s all loving and all powerful
The world is a product of trial and error
The ability to talk about universe meaningfully means there has to be another universe to compare it to
Also, design argument doesn’t tell us why some creatures exist and who is responsible for natural evil
What did scholar Swinburne argue?
God made a do it yourself kit world
Humans r highest things in creation- god author of scientific laws
Probability argument - more likely god exists than doesn’t
God cannot have body as he’d come under control of laws of nature and Christian god cannot come under such control
Challenges Hume’s principle of equality
BUT - universe isn’t like a machine and doesn’t function like one and he presumes universe is for humanity but we could be wiped out 1 day
What did scholar j s mill argue?
Agreed argument could point to a god but not Christian concept of god as attributes of god would have to be sacrificed in light of worlds imperfection
