Teleological Argument Flashcards
Theme 1B
What does ‘Telos’ mean?
Telos refers to a goal, target, or end purpose.
It is associated with inductive reasoning, which uses evidence to come to a conclusion (a posteriori).
Who is Harold Morowitz?
Harold Morowitz is a biochemist who researches chemical reactions to study how life works.
He concluded that the universe would need to be trillions of times older/larger for a protein molecule to arise by random chance, suggesting a designer.
What is Irreducible Complexity?
Irreducible Complexity refers to biological systems where removing one part makes evolution undevelopable.
It implies that some design must exist to allow for small modifications.
What analogy does Michael Behe use to explain Irreducible Complexity?
Michael Behe uses the analogy of a mouse trap, where all components are essential for it to function.
This illustrates how complex systems fit together like a puzzle.
What is the conclusion of the Teleological Argument?
The conclusion is that the designer is an omnipotent God.
This is based on premises that the universe shows order, purpose, and evidence of design.
Who are the scholars linked to the Teleological Argument?
The scholars linked to this argument include Aquinas and Paley.
What is Aquinas’ 5th Way?
Aquinas’ 5th Way, or Design qua regularity, combines faith and reason, influenced by Aristotle.
It argues that intelligent beings direct natural things towards their end purpose, which he identifies as God.
What is William Paley’s view on design?
William Paley’s view, known as Design qua purpose, asserts that natural theology uses science and reason to establish religious truths.
He argues that complex systems, like a watch, require a designer.
What is the Goldilocks Enigma?
The Goldilocks Enigma suggests that gravity and other natural laws are like a recipe that results in just the right conditions for life.
It implies that these effects have intentional causes.
What is the difference between Cosmological and Teleological arguments?
The Cosmological argument is macro, focusing on the universe’s cause, while the Teleological argument is micro, focusing on design and complexity within the universe.
What is Tennant’s Principle?
Tennant’s Principle states that the beauty of the natural world indicates a designer must have created it.
It suggests that things have developed due to a determined force.
What does the Anthropic principle relate to?
The Anthropic principle relates to mankind, suggesting that nature plans in advance for human needs.
It extends beyond natural laws and physics.
What is Ockham’s Razor?
Ockham’s Razor states that the simplest explanation should be favored, often implying the existence of God.
What is the Aesthetic argument?
The Aesthetic argument is based on the appreciation of beauty, suggesting that beauty in the world indicates a designing creator.
It posits that nature is meaningless without God.
