The Design Arguement Flashcards
Posterior I argument
Argument that is based on the evidence of our observation of the world
Definition of the design argument
Proves the existence of God through the process of creation
Why do some people believe the world has been designed?
It is perfectly adapted
Could not have come by chance
Can only be explained by an intelligent designer
Analogically argument
Works of human design share simerlaraties with works of nature- design leading to a purpose
But because works of nature are far greater than humanity there must be a greater designer
St Thomas Aquinas- the fifth of his five ways
There is order in the universe
This could not have comes by chance
Objects do not have the intelligence to move themselves
Therefore something intelligent must be directing them
This being god
William pales analogical argument
The world was like a machine
Made of parts which work together for the benefit
This machine could not have come by chance as it is so methodical and constant
The watch shows purpose also, works in a specific way and has order to it
F.R Tennant’s aesthetic principle
The beauty in the universe in unnecessary (nature, music and literature) and shows proof of an intelligent design
Weaknesses of the argument
Assumption of the world was designed- we know it wasn’t created by humans so we cannot know it was designed
The assumption the world works in an orderly way
David Hume’s Criticisms
Unreasonable to compare world to watch…
It is a poor design- either God is cruel or there is no design
Charles Darwin’s criticisms
Evolution shows life has developed in evolutionary steps and living things have adapted to fit in with the environment
Too much suffering in the world
