P: Teleological Knowledge Flashcards
Define Proposition.
A point which is made to prove the argument under discussion.
Define Premise.
A point that forms the basis of a theory (a point you assume to be true).
What is A Priori?
Refers to knowledge based on theoretical reasoning. Doesn’t require empirical evidence as it is theoretical.
What is A Posteriori?
Refers to knowledge that can be proven true or false due to logic alone. It requires empirical evidence.
What are Tautologies?
These are statements which are true due to mathematical nature or definition.
What is Design qua Purpose?
The concept that every part of the universe has purpose and the way that the parts fit together is purposeful.
What is the Analogy of the Arrow?
The idea that humans lack knowledge to an end and therefore we cannot move towards an end unless being directed by something more powerful (a creator). The comparison is that the bow and arrow must be directed by a human.
A quote that relates to the design argument.
“ No man in his senses would think the existence of the watch accounted for being told that it was one out of the possible combinations of material form”
A quote that relates to the design argument and God being a single designer.
“Of the Unity of the Deity, the proof is, the uniformity of plan observable in the universe”
Why did Paley argue that there was a single designer?
Paley implied there was a single designer (God), but he had help by those he created (eg. Angels).
What are TWO example of Design qua Regularity?
- The order of the planets, night, day and seasons are all consistent and scientists believe these aren’t coincidental.
- Earth is the exact correct distance from the sun allowing human life. If it was any further or closer, earth would be inhabitable.
Explain the Analogy of the watch.
Paley compared the universe to a watch in a way that a watch consists of various parts which fit together in complex ways. We know an intelligent designer would have had to make it. Similarly, Paley compares the creation of the universe to this analogy, supporting the idea that it requires an intelligent designer.
What are TWO examples of Design qua Purpose?
- the universe can be compared to man made machines (every part has purpose).
- the eye is a complex fixture which is made up of each purposeful part.
What was the first of Humes Challenges of the design argument?
Hume argued that not all things have designers.
What are TWO examples to support Humes argument that “not all things have designers”?
Example 1. Spiders make webs without a designer.
Example 2. Plants grow without a designer.
What is a quote to support Humes argument that “not all things have designers”?
“ Why an orderly system may not be spun from the belly as well as from the brain, it will be difficult for him to give a satisfactory reason”
What was the second Humes challenges of the design argument?
Hume said that some designed things have multiple designers and are not determined by a single designer.
What is a quote which supports Humes argument that “ some designs have multiple designers”?
“ a great number of men join in building a house or ship, in rearing a city, in framing a common wealth: Why may not several deities combine in contriving and framing a world?”
What was the third Humes challenges of the design argument? And why?
Hume argued that there is no reason to assume that the designer is a Christian God. He said the universe is full or evil and suffering, this is an incompetent thing for God to do if he is so called omnipotent and omnibenevolent.
What is a quote which supports Humes argument that “ there is not reason to assume the designer is a Christian god”?
“ His power we allow infinite: whatever he will is executed: but neither man nor any other animal are happy: therefore he does not will their happiness”.
What was Paleys objection to “ some complex things do not have designers”?
Paley argued that no one believes that complex things happen by chance, therefore if complex things come out as a result of natural law, then these laws must have been created by the work of a designer. For there to be a law, it must be composed by someone.
What is a quote to support Paleys argument that “ for there to be natural moral law, it must have been composed by a designer? “
“ No man in his senses would thing the existence if the watch accounted for being told that it was one out of the possible combinations of material form”.
What is Paleys objection to “ Some designed things have multiple designers “?
Paley argues that there was one creator (God), but he had help from those he created (Eg. Angels).
What is a quote to support Paleys argument that “ God is the creator but he had help from those he created”?
“ OF the ‘unity of the Deity’ , the proof is, the uniformity of plan observable in the universe”.
