The Design Argument

Question 1

What type of Argument is the Design Argument?

Answer 1

Inductive and a posteriori.

Question 2

What three things did Paley observe about the world?

Answer 2

Complexity, regularity and purpose.

Question 3

What can we infer from objects that show clear evidence that they were designed because they exhibit complexity and regularity?

Answer 3

That they were made for a purpose.

Question 4

What two objects does Paley use in his analogy when crossing a heath?

Answer 4

A stone and a watch.

Question 5

What other analogies does Paley give?

Answer 5

The eye, fish, birds and heavenly bodies.

Question 6

What was Hume’s first criticism?

Answer 6

A lesser being could have designed the universe.

Question 7

What was Hume’s second criticism?

Answer 7

The existence of evil and imperfection in the world does indeed suggest a limited designer.

Question 8

What was Hume’s third criticism?

Answer 8

Analogies between the way the universe works and the way machines work are unsound.

Question 9

What is Hume’s fourth criticism?

Answer 9

To make an analogy between the designers of human machines and the designer of the universe is just anthropomorphism.

Question 10

What is Hume’s fifth criticism?

Answer 10

The universe could have developed into a comparatively ordered state simply by chance.

Question 11

What is the first strength of the argument?

Answer 11

Paley may be right to argue that the designer is the all-powerful Christian God, because this is the simplest answer.

Question 12

What is the second strength of the argument?

Answer 12

Paley argued that evil may be unavoidable in order for God to bring about good.

Question 13

What is the third strength of the argument?

Answer 13

Evolution does not destroy the argument because evolution does not explain itself, and evolution is compatible with the belief in God anyway.

Question 14

What us the fourth strength of the argument?

Answer 14

Paley does not draw the conclusion that the designer is metaphysical and transcendent.

Question 15

What is the fifth strength of the argument?

Answer 15

Paley’s argument that ‘nature shows intention’ becomes stronger when supported by the Anthropic Principle

Question 16

What is the sixth strength of the argument?

Answer 16

One strong point about Paley’s argument is its simplicity - it is a simple inductive argument.

Question 17

What is the first status as a ‘proof’?

Answer 17

It can mean that there is sufficient evidence for the truth of a proposition.

Question 18

What is the second status as a ‘proof’?

Answer 18

Proof can be inductive.

Question 19

What is the third status as a ‘proof’?

Answer 19

Inductive arguments can amount to ‘proofs’ when all the evidence points to the truth of the conclusion.

Question 20

What is the fourth status as a ‘proof’?

Answer 20

Paley’s argument is inductive, but its evidence does not amount to scientific proof.

Question 21

What is the fifth status as a ‘proof’?

Answer 21

Paley’s inductive argument could well be the best explanation of the order wee see in the universe.

Question 22

What is the sixth status as a ‘proof’?

Answer 22

For some individuals who believe in God, Paley’s argument could not be a proof, because proof could only come through religious experiences.

Question 23

What is the seventh status as a ‘proof’?

Answer 23

Paley’s inductive argument can never have the status of a deductive argument.

Question 24

What is the first value for religious faith?

Answer 24

It supports faith by reasoning.

Question 25

What is the second value for religious faith?

Answer 25

Paley’s argument can be used as part of the religious defense against atheism.

Question 26

What is the third value for religious faith?

Answer 26

The simplicity of the argument could provide a basis for belief.

Question 27

What is the fourth value for religious faith?

Answer 27

Some believe that faith does not depend on any kind of proof or probability.

Question 28

What is the fifth value for religious faith?

Answer 28

Paley’s argument provides evidence for belief that God exists, and also supports belief in God.

Question 29

What did Aquinas suggest about his 5th Way?

Answer 29

There is a being wich directs all things, and that everything is working towards a goal, which is shown by God.

Question 30

What did Tennant say about the aesthetic argument?

Answer 30

That the world appears to be designed to support life, and further appears to be beautiful on all levels.

Question 31

What did Swinburne say about the Design Argument?

Answer 31

That the universe appears ordered, not chaotic and this cannot be chance, therefore it must be a matter of probability.

Question 32

What analogy did Dawkins give to disprove the probability that a God exists?

Answer 32

It is more likely for a tornado to go through a junk yard and produce a fully working 747.

Question 33

What did Mill say due to the crimes of nature which humans and animals suffer?

Answer 33

‘Either there is no God or there exists an incomplete or immoral God.’

Question 34

What did Rees argue against the existence of God using the multiverse theory?

Answer 34

That there are many universes therefore it is only natural that one of them could support life.