Design Arguement

Question 1

Who founded it?

Answer 1

William Paley

Question 2

What kind of argument is it?

Answer 2

A posteriori
Inductive

Question 3

Based on what 3 observations of the world?

Answer 3

1) it’s complexity
2) it’s regularity
3) it’s purpose

Question 4

Argument (3)

Answer 4

1) some objects show clear evidence of being designed
2) universe appears to be complex, regular and therefore purpose
3) so universe appears to be designed too

Question 5

Watch Analogy (6)

Answer 5

1) watch had purpose, reguarity, purpose
2) so must have been designed by a watchmaker
3) similarly universe has parts that are complex, regular for a purpose
4) universe must have been designed by a watchmaker
5) universe is far more wonderful than a watch so designer must be far more wonderful
6) universe designer is God

Question 6

Hume’ Criticisms (5)

Answer 6

1) A lesser being could have created the universe- limited designer, part of a team
2) Existence of evil & imperfection suggests limited designer
3) Analogies between way universe works and way machines work are unsound
4) To make analogies between designer of machines and designer of universe is anthropomorphic
5) Universe could have developed by chance- Epicurian hypothesis

Question 7

Status of Design Argument as ‘proof’ (7)
Depending on context, proof can mean different things:

Answer 7

1) Sufficient evidence
2) Inductive
3) when all evidence points to truth of conclusion
4) evidence doesn’t amount to scientific proof
5) could be best explanation of order we see in universe
6) proof comes through religious experience only
7) can never have status of a deductive proof

Question 8

What value does the Design Argument have for religious faith? (5)

Answer 8

1) Supports faith by reasoning
2) Used as part of religious defence against aetheism
3) For those unsure what to believe, could provide a basis
4) Has no value for faith
5) Price’s argument about belief in and belief that