Teleological Argument

Question 1

What are the anthropic constants?

Answer 1

1. The universe expands at a very precise rate from the BIG BANG
2. Atomic forces are fixed very precisely e.g. the two lightest gases
3. GRAVITY fixed very precisely to RAW materials

Question 2

How do you explain the anthropic constants?

Answer 2

Peter Atkins- there’s other universes, different compositions
Alan Guth- law of physics can be explained by natural law

Nancy Murphy- deliberately planned with life in mind. Strong anthropic argument

Bertrand Russell- universe is the ultimate brute fact ‘just is

Question 3

What is the argument?

Answer 3

Premise 1: The universe has order, purpose & regularity
Premise 2: The complexity of the universe shows evidence of design
Premise 3: Such design implies a designer

Conclusion: The designer of the universe is God

Question 4

What does Design Qua purpose mean (William Paley)?

Answer 4

The fact that the universe seems to be designed and fits together for a purpose
- Example: instincts of animals that aid for survival

Question 5

Paley’s Watch Analogy

Answer 5

If you were to find an old fashioned watch on a heath you would note the complicated mechanism, cogs and wheels etc such complicated design suggests an intelligent designer who clearly has a purpose in mind for the object

Question 6

Key problems with the Watch Analogy

Answer 6

1. Unsound analogy- comparing the universe to something natural e.g. carrot (Hume)
2. Human knowledge is limited- never observed the universe being made so don’t know the designer
3. Is evil and suffering part of the work of a designer?
4. The design could only be apparent- mind imposed not God
5. Naturalistic (scientific) explanation for design