paley's design argument

Question 1

what sort of argument is the design argument

Answer 1

a posteriori and inductive

Question 2

what three observations did paley base his argument on? evidence of design

Answer 2

the world has complexity

the world has regularity

the world has purpose

Question 3

examples of complexity

Answer 3

the human eye, many parts working together

Question 4

examples of regularity

Answer 4

the seasons, orbits of the planets

Question 5

examples of purpose

Answer 5

feathers on birds, gills on fish

Question 6

what is paley’s analogy

Answer 6

1. a watch has complex parts, each with a function, and the parts work together for a specific purpose
2. so the watch must’ve been designed by a watchmaker
3. similarly the universe has parts that function together for a purpose
4. so the universe must have been designed by a universe maker
5. the universe is far more wonderful a design than a watch, so its designer must be greater than a watchmaker
6. the universe designer is god

Question 7

what is hume’s objection about a lesser being?

Answer 7

the cause must be proportional to its effect - a perfect, omni-etc being isn’t necessary to explain the presence of the universe - could’ve been a lesser being or team of deities that designed the world

Question 8

what is hume’s objection about evil?

Answer 8

the inconsistent triad questions the presence of an omnipotent, omnibenevolent god in accordance with evil, supports the idea that a designer isn’t necessarily god of classical theism

Question 9

what is hume’s objection to the analogy of a machine?

Answer 9

says the universe more like a vegetable - can grow itself, without need for designer - supported by evolution

Question 10

what is hume’s objection about anthropomorphism?

Answer 10

we dont know how the universe is designed, so its flawed to explain its designer in human terms/with a human (watch) analogy. we cannot apply our limited life experience to the universe

Question 11

what is hume’s objection about chance?

Answer 11

epicurean hypothesis - if there is an infinite amount of rearranging matter and infinite amount of time, will eventually form ordered state. extended by modern multiverse theory

Question 12

what are the strengths of paley’s argument?

Answer 12

1. simplest explanation that designer = god
2. paley evil may be unavoidable in order for god to bring about good
3. evolution doesn’t destroy arg, as evolution doesnt explain itself + is compatible with belief in god
4. draws conclusion that designer is metaphysical and transcendant
5. argument that ‘nature shows intention’ strengthened by anthropic principle
6. is a simple inductive argument

Question 13

what is a proof?

Answer 13

when there is sufficient evidence for the truth of a proposition

can be inductive - inductive arguments can amount to proofs when all evidence points to truth of conclusion - can be scientific proof

Question 14

paleys argument as proof

Answer 14

argument is inductive, but can never amount to scientific proof as no way of assessing probability.

may be best explanation of order we see in universe - matter of preference

not proof for some religious people, as this may only come through religious experience

will never have status of deductive proof

Question 15

what value does the design argument have for faith

Answer 15

supports faith by reasoning, can be used in the defence against atheism

Question 16

how can paleys argument be used in defence against atheism?

Answer 16

atheists claim belief in god is unreasonable speculation, but there is no more evidence to suggest god doesnt exist than he does - paley’s arg shows how belief can be supported by a rational hypothesis