Hume’s ‘unique case’ attack on the design argument’s empirical validity Flashcards
What is Hume’s “unique case” attack on the design argument?
Hume argues that design arguments have not met the empirical standard required for justifiably inferring a designer from the universe. He sets a high standard, demanding unique, non-repeatable evidence, which design arguments fail to provide.
What is Hume’s requirement for inferring the existence of a designer from a thing?
Hume argues that either direct experience of that thing being made conjoined with its designer, or experience of similar things being made and their designer, is necessary for such an inference.
How does Hume illustrate his requirement for inferring the existence of a designer?
Hume uses the example of inferring the designer of a house, which requires either direct experience of that house being made by a designer or experience of other houses being made by a designer.
What is an issue with Humes inferring of the designer
The issue is, we clearly do not have either such experience regarding the universe.
According to Hume, why is it challenging to apply certain patterns of argument to the universe?
Hume suggests that it’s difficult to apply certain patterns of argument to the universe because the objects being considered are singular, individual, without parallel, or specific resemblance.
What does Hume propose would be necessary to make the reasoning about the origins of the universe secure?
What does Hume propose would be necessary to make the reasoning about the origins of the universe secure?
According to Hume, why is the universe considered a unique case?
Hume argues that the universe is a unique case because humans do not have direct experience of its origin, nor do they have experience of other universes or creators conjoined with them.
What does Hume conclude about the human ability to understand the origin of the universe?
Hume concludes that the origin of the universe “exceeds all human reason and enquiry.” He suggests that the only rational response is to suspend judgment and admit that humans do not know why the world exists as it does.
How can design arguments be interpreted in the context of abductive reasoning?
Counter to Hume: design arguments as abductive
Design arguments can be viewed as abductive, involving inferences to the best explanation.
For example, proponents like Aquinas, Paley, and Swinburne argue that the existence of natural laws, complexity, and purpose in the universe suggests the need for a personal explanation, which is the best explanation available in the absence of a scientific explanation.
What objection does Hume raise against Swinburne’s premise in the design argument?
Evaluation critiquing the design argument
Hume argues that even if we grant Swinburne’s premise that a scientific explanation is impossible, it doesn’t justify seeking another explanation.
According to Hume, there is a minimum standard of evidence required to infer a designer, and if a scientific explanation is lacking, then there is no explanation at all.
