Design Argument - Key Terms

Question 1

Analogy

Answer 1

An inference where information or meaning is transferred from one subject to another based on similarities / comparisons.

Question 2

Anthropic Principle

Answer 2

There is a direct link between our observation of the universe and the ‘boundary conditions’ which brought it into existence.
The boundary conditions had be ‘fine tuned’ by God, otherwise intelligent life could have never developed.
It is no accident that we are here.

Question 3

Anthropomorphism

Answer 3

The habit of attributing human form or ideas to beings other than humans, particularly to God s and animals.

Question 4

A posteriori

Answer 4

Arguments which depend on sense experience (after sense experience) - e.g. ‘oak trees grow from acorns’ can only be known by sense experience and not be logic.

Question 5

Inductive

Answer 5

Arguments which use reasoning in which the premises seek to supply strong evidence for (not absolute proof of) the truth of the conclusion.
They are probabilistic.
They can be used to argue from what we see in the world back to the supposed cause.

Question 6

Inference

Answer 6

A conclusion reached through evidence and reasoning.

Question 7

Natural Theology

Answer 7

The view that questions about God’s existence, nature and attributes can be answered without referring to scripture or to any other form of special revelation, by using reason, science, history and observation.

Question 8

Omnibenevolent

Answer 8

All loving.

Question 9

Omnipotent

Answer 9

All powerful.

Question 10

Premise

Answer 10

A proposition that supports, or helps to support, a conclusion.

Question 11

Teleological

Answer 11

In Greek means ‘end’ or ‘purpose’.
Seeks to show that we can perceive evidence of a deliberate design in the natural world.