Paley's Teleological Design Argument Flashcards
What type of argument is Paley’s Design Argument?
Paley’s argument is a posteriori and inductive, based on sense experience and reasoning from premises to a conclusion that is likely but not guaranteed.
What are the three key observations that Paley makes to support the Design Argument?
The three observations are complexity, regularity, and purpose found in both organisms and the structure of the world.
How does Paley argue that the universe has a purpose?
Paley argues that the complexity and regularity of the universe suggest it has a purpose, just as human-made objects are designed for specific purposes.
What does Paley’s Design Argument suggest about the universe?
Paley infers that the universe must have been designed due to its complexity and regularity, with the likely designer being God.
What is Paley’s analogy for the Design Argument?
Paley compares the universe to a watch: both have complex parts, function together, and serve a purpose, implying a designer for both—the watchmaker and, in this case, God for the universe.
How does Paley argue the designer of the universe must be greater than a human designer?
Since the universe is more complex than a watch, the designer must be greater than a human designer, leading to the conclusion that the designer is God.
What is the concept of ‘simplicity’ in Paley’s argument?
Paley argues that the simplest explanation for the design of the universe is the existence of an all-powerful God, adhering to the principle that ‘simplicity is always evidence for truth.’
What criticism did Hume make regarding the Design Argument?
Hume argued that even if the universe was designed, there’s no guarantee the designer was the Christian God, and it could have been a lesser or different being.
What does Hume say about intelligent minds and the designer of the universe?
Hume suggests that intelligent minds are usually attached to physical bodies, so it’s unreasonable to suppose the universe’s designer is a metaphysical being.
What is Hume’s criticism of the idea that the designer is a single being?
Hume argues that design is often the result of teamwork, so there’s no reason to assume a single being was responsible for the universe’s design.
How does Hume address the problem of evil in the Design Argument?
Hume argues that the existence of evil and imperfections in the world suggests the designer may be limited in power, questioning if the designer is impotent, malevolent, or both.
How does Hume view the universe in comparison to machines?
Hume claims the universe is more like a vegetable that grows on its own, rather than a machine that requires a designer, especially in light of evolutionary theory.
What is Paley’s response to the existence of evil in the world?
Paley argues that evil may be necessary to allow for free will, enabling humans to choose between good and evil, and to bring about greater good.
How does the concept of ‘soul-making’ relate to Paley’s Design Argument?
The Irenaeus-Hick view suggests that evil serves as a tool for ‘soul-making,’ allowing humans to develop virtues like love, and therefore may be a necessary part of God’s design.
Does the theory of evolution disprove the Design Argument?
No, Paley’s Design Argument remains compatible with belief in God, as evolution does not explain its own origins, and evolution itself can be seen as part of the divine design.
