Design Argument Flashcards
1
Q
What kind of argument is the Design Argument?
A
Teleological
Greek word “Telos” = end/purpose
2
Q
What are the key features of the Design Argument?
A
- A posteriori ( because it uses empirical evidence)
- Analogical (drawing an analogy between the world/its parts and objects of human design)
- Inductive (takes perspective that the universe demonstrates regular order & motion both in its part & in the whole)
- Suggests such perfect adaptation could not have come by chance, it must have been the work of an intelligent designer i.e. God
3
Q
What are the crucial features that indicate the existence of an intelligent designer?
A
- Order (objects & scientific laws operate in a regular way)
- Benefit (the universe provides all that is necessary for life)
- Purpose (objects within the universe appear to be working towards an end or purpose)
- Suitability for human life (the universe provides the right environment for human life)
- Appearance (the beauty of nature & its universe suggests that it is intended for something more than basic survival)
4
Q
What is Aquinas’ view on the Design Argument as stated to be the 5th of his ‘Five Ways’ to prove the existence of God in Summa Theologica
A
- There is beneficial order in the universe i.e. there are things in the universe that work towards an end or purpose
- This beneficial order could not happen by chance
- Objects do not have the intelligence to work towards an end or purpose
- Therefore, they must be directed by something that does have intelligence
- Therefore God exists.
5
Q
What are some strengths of the Design Argument?
A
- William Paley’s watch analogy (explain)
- Swinburne’s seven features of the universe that increase the likelihood of it being designed:
1 the existence of the universe
2 the existence of order in the universe
3 the existence of consciousness
4 human opportunities to be morally good
5 the pattern of history
6 miracles
7 religious experience
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