Design, teological Argument Flashcards
What is its criteria
a posteriori, inductive
What 3 observations about the world is it based on?
Complexity (of the eye), regularity (seasons of the year), purpose (observation of complexity and regularity implies purpose- complexity + regularity of watch implies purpose)
Brief explanation of argument
Objects show evidence of design as have complexity and regularity, can infer have a purpose. Universe shows complexity + regularity can infer made for purpose. Likely universe designed
How does Paley use analogy for argument
Whilst walking across heath, come across 2 objects: rock and watch would not be absurd to assume the rock had been there forever, the watch is composed of parts which are complexly formed so as to produce a motion which is so meticulously regulated. It has complexity which is arranged so as to perform a purpose, so absurd to suggest always been there.
Why could the watch not have been on the heath forever?
If the parts were different material/ shape the purpose of telling the time would not have resulted. The watch could not have come about by chance nor been there forever because it has Complexity & Purpose. This must mean it had a designer – a watch maker.
How is this anology related to universe.
Things in the universe that are complex and have a purpose. Complexity of the Human eye which is arranged to fulfil the purpose of enabling us to see. Since complexity and purpose in a watch tells us there must have been a watch maker, similarly, the complexity and purpose in the universe tells us that there must have been a universe designer. This designer must have a mind, because design requires a designer who has a purpose in mind and know how a certain arrangement of particular parts will bring about that purpose. This designer is God
Quote from Paley about watch analogy
“Every manifestation of design, which existed in the watch, exists in the works of nature.” – Paley.
Hume’s objection to Paley’s use of analogy. + example used (HINT- fire ice)
Just because effect of the universe and the effect of a man-made thing like watch (Paley) are like each other in that they both have complexity and purpose, it doesn’t follow that the cause of the universe must be like the cause of a watch being a designer. Two effects which are alike (analogous) might in fact have very different causes. E.g The smoke produced by fire and dry ice is very similar, but their causes not similar.
Nice condesned statement for Humes rejection of Paley’s analogy
Hume is pointing to how radically disanalogous the creation of the universe could be to anything else we know of:
