Design Argument Flashcards
What are the two types of proof
Inductive
Deductive
Define inductive proof
An argument based on probability
Define deductive proof
An argument that aims to give absolute proof.
If the premises are true than the conclusion must be true.
Example of deductive proof
My shape has three sides
A triangle has three sides
Therefore my shape is a triangle
Example of inductive proof
I am a girl
I love to sing
Therefore all girls love to sing
Qualities of deductive proof
Logically necessary
True by definition
A priori
Qualities of inductive proofs
Further investigation needed m
Conclusion is only ever probable
A posteriori
Define a priori
Don’t need any extra information
Define a posteriori
Answer depends on external evidence or experience
What type of argument is the design argument
Inductive
A posterior
Teleological
What is design argument also know as
Teleological argument
Who created design argument
Paley
What is design qua purpose
Argument that the universe appears to have been designed to fulfil some purpose
What is design que regularity
Argument behaves in accordance to some rule or order
Why is god the only creator able to do this
He is omnipotent omniscience and omnibenevolent
What is the analogical argument
Watch could not come by accident
Existence of watch is proof of watchmaker
Universe is intricate design
Universe could not come by accident
Universe itself is proof of intelligent designer
how does the design argument being inductive limit its worth
In most cases where there is design there is a designer
Humans don’t have sufficient knowledge and experience of creation to conclude that there is only one designer however.
What we can infer is useless by a posteriori
what is anthropomorphism
attributing human characteristics to concepts, objects or other animals
list humes criticisms of the design argument
A lesser God could have designed the universe
existence of evil and imperfection in world suggests a limited designer
Analogies between universe and machines are unsound
Analogies between design of universe and design of machines is just anthropmorphism
Universe could have become ordered state by chance
Explain
A lesser God could have designed the universe
No evidence that it was a god of Christian theism
Designer could have been mortal and died a long time ago - intelligent minds attached to physical bodies
Design normally a feature of teamwork - multiple people create the universe?
Explain
existence of evil and imperfection in world suggests a limited designer
Inconsistent triad
For a being with infinite power, wisdom and goodness this is not the world to expect
Explain
Analogies between universe and machines are unsound
World is more like a vegetable - grows and evolves. Without need for designer
Supported by Darwin’s evolution theory
Explain
Analogies between design of universe and design of machines is just anthropmorphism
We have no experience in the universe making therefore we have no idea what it takes to design one what the designer would look like
Our experience of design is limited to machines we design ourselves
Cannot assume that we can apply our limited experience of life on this world to the universe is a whole
Explain
Universe could have become ordered state by chance
Epicurean hypothesis - world is more like a self regulating organism
Chaotic matter can fall into order of its own accord.
(Doesn’t need to be manipulated designed or planned)
What is Swinburnes argument against Hume
Paleys argument that designer is all powerful Christian god is simplest explanation
Simplicity is always evidence for truth
Strengths of paleys arguments
Argue that evil may be unavoidable in order for God to bring about good
Evolution does not destroy the design argument because evolution does not explain itself and it is compatible with belief in God
Paley draws conclusion that designer is metaphysical and transcendent
Argument that nature shows intention – strong when supported with anthropic principle
Explain
Evil may be unavoidable in order for God to bring about good
Free will defence – freedom between the highest good and evil means that there must be even good in the world
Evil is soul making without evil we will never learn to love God and good 
Explain
Evolution does not destroy the design argument
Swinburn – evolution explains nothing
Laws and biology, chemistry, physics explain things but cannot explain themselves.therefore they come from God who designed them
Criticism – if such cruel things are Considered natural can we really approve of a god who uses such a process for whatever purpose
Response - part of gods plan - may look random but all is planned 
Explain
Conclusion that the designer is metaphysical and transcendent
Must be metaphysical since it would be impossible to design such a system from the inside
Laws could only have come from an external source (God) science only works because these laws exist and we have neither imagined or impose them
Explain
Nature shows intention supported by anthropic principle
Conditions have been accustomed for and ordered universe containing intelligent life to develop
Seems obvious something must’ve designed it to bring about intelligent beings
What does anthropic mean
Relating to humans
