Definition of the Design Argument

Question 1

whats the design argument known as?

Answer 1

• The teleological argument

Question 2

whats does the argument search for? and what does it argue?

Answer 2

• meaning or purpose in the world
• argues for the existence of God due to the design and order found in the universe
• idea of a designer behind it’s creation

Question 3

The argument is one of cause and effect, what does it claim?

Answer 3

• certain phenomenon within the universe appear to have been designed (cause)
• and are perfectly adapted to fulfill their function (effect)
• such design cannot come about by chance and can only be explained by an intelligent, personal designer

Question 4

how can we therefore draw a comparison between works of human design and works of nature?

Answer 4

• sufficient similarities between the two to suggest the same cause and effect
• since designs of nature are much more greater than the works of humanity, an infinitely greater designer must exist
• this points towards the existence of God

Question 5

what does supporters of the design argument think about scientific explanation?

Answer 5

• Maintain that scientific explanations for creation and order of the universe do not provide complete explanations
• Point towards truth but not the whole truth (doesn’t mean they should be rejected)
• for believers, God offers a complete explanation

Question 6

It’s an analogical argument

Answer 6

• which draws links/ analogies between the worlds design and objects of human design

Question 7

It’s an inductive argument and?

Answer 7

Takes the perspective that the universe demonstrates regular order and motion both in it’s parts and in the whole

Question 8

It’s an a posteriori argument

Answer 8

• uses empirical evidence, from our observations of the world, to show the aspects of the universe seem to have been designed because they’re perfectly adapted to fulfill their purpose

Question 9

What does the Design Argument suggest about perfect adaptation?

Answer 9

• could not have come into existence by chance

- They appear to be the work of an intelligent designer

Question 10

what does the Design Argument reject?

Answer 10

• The idea of chance

- shows delicate balance of the universe is such that the probability of it coming about by chance is too remote

Question 11

What 5 things can we see in the universe?

Answer 11

• Order (seasons)
• Benefit (provides everything necessary for life)
• Purpose (everything works towards an end/purpose)
• Suitability for human life (earth provides the right environment for humans to exist)
• Appearance (it exhibits beauty which suggests more than just basic survival)

Question 12

What did Swinburne say about science and the 5 things we can see in the universe?

Answer 12

‘These phenomenon are clearly things too big for science to explain… I am postulating a God to explain what science explains; i do not deny that science explains, but i postulate a God to explain why science explains’