Paley Flashcards
William Paley’s Design Argument: Watch Analogy
Paley argues that just as a watch, with its complexity and purpose, implies a watchmaker, similarly, the complexity and purpose observed in nature (e.g., the human eye) imply a universe designer.
Paley’s Design Argument: Key Quote
“Every manifestation of design, which existed in the watch, exists in the works of nature.” – Paley
Use of Analogy in Design Arguments
Analogy provides a best explanation style argument. By comparing known effects with unknown ones, we can infer similar causes. Swinburne supports this as common in scientific inference.
Hume’s Objection to Analogy
Hume argues that similar effects do not necessarily have similar causes. The complexity and purpose in the universe might not have a similar cause to man-made objects. Natural objects and man-made artefacts might have radically different origins.
Evaluation Defending Paley’s Argument
Paley’s argument isn’t strictly analogical but highlights that complexity and purpose (whether in artefacts or natural objects) require a designer. The watch is an illustration rather than a strict analogy.
Whether God is the Best or Only Explanation
Aquinas and Paley argue that the design argument shows it is reasonable to believe in a designer. Swinburne adds that Ockham’s razor supports a single designer over multiple, given the uniformity of the laws of physics.
Hume’s ‘Committee of Gods’ Objection
Hume suggests that evidence of design could indicate multiple designers (a committee of gods) rather than a single, perfect God, challenging monotheistic interpretations.
Hume’s Evidential Problem of Evil
Hume argues that the existence of natural evil (e.g., suffering) suggests imperfection in the world, which cannot justify belief in a perfectly good designer. Darwin supports this with examples like parasitic wasps.
Evaluation Defending the Design Argument Against Evil
Paley argues that even a broken watch implies a watchmaker. Some theodicies can also address the problem of evil by offering explanations for the existence of suffering within a designed world.
Richard Dawkins’ Critique
In “The Blind Watchmaker,” Dawkins argues that evolution explains goal-directed traits and behavior without the need for an intelligent designer, opposing Paley’s view.
F. R. Tennant’s Aesthetic Principle
Tennant argues that the human perception of beauty, which doesn’t offer survival advantages, suggests divine interference with evolution. However, this might be an evolutionary biproduct.
F. R. Tennant’s Anthropic Principle
Tennant claims that the precise conditions of the universe for life imply design. However, the vast number of planets in the universe suggests many could have life-supporting conditions by chance.
Paley’s Work
Starting Natural Theology
Aquinas’ work
Summa Theologica
