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philosophy > the design argument > Flashcards

the design argument Flashcards

1
Q

What is the design argument?

A

A posteriori, inductive

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2
Q

What is meant by a posteriori?

A

Based on sense experience

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3
Q

What is meant by inductive?

A

Using premises to supply strong evidence of the truth

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4
Q

What did Paley observe about the world?

A

It’s complex, regular + has a purpose

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5
Q

What’s the summary of Paley’s inductive argument?

A
  • Some objects show clear signs they were designed (complex + regular)
  • The universe is complex + regular so it has a purpose
  • So it’s likely the universe was designed
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6
Q

What is Aquinas’ 5th way?

A
  • The universe has evidence of design
  • Design implies designer
  • God is the designer
  • God exists
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7
Q

What would the intricate complexity of the universe confirm?

A

God’s attributes of omnipotence + omnibenevolence

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8
Q

Why did Aquinas use analogy?

A

So God isn’t anthropomorphised

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9
Q

What is Aquinas’ archer/arrow analogy?

A

Archer = God; intelligent + gives the arrow direction + purpose
Arrow = Humanity; we’re non-intelligent + can’t reach telos alone so we need God’s direction

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10
Q

What is Paley’s analogical design argument?

A
  • Watch = complex w function + works tog for a purpose
  • Watch must’ve been designed by watchmaker
  • The universe has parts that work tog for a function
  • Universe must’ve been designed by universe maker
  • Universe is more complex than watch so designer is greater
  • Designer = God
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11
Q

What’s an inference?

A

Conclusion reached through evidence + reasoning

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12
Q

What’s an analogy?

A

Inference where information/meaning is transferred from one subject to another

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13
Q

Which scholar was connected to the Anthropic Principle?

A

FR Tennant

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14
Q

What does the Anthropic Principle say about boundary conditions?

A

There are 30+ boundary conditions that have to be ‘fine tuned’ for an ordered universe containing intelligent life to develop

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15
Q

Give 3 examples of fine tuned boundary conditions

A
  • Distance from the sun
  • Force of gravity
  • Expansion rate of Big Bang
    All fine tuned so we don’t burn, float etc
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16
Q

What does John Polkinghorne say about empirical data?

A

Empirical data tells us the universe is so well designed that it can’t just be a coincidence - best explanation is God

17
Q

What are 3 of Hume’s criticisms?
What do these criticisms say about Paley?

A
  • Inductive leap: leap from premise to conclusion
  • Why not a team of Gods?
  • Why the God of classical theism Paley makes an assumption
18
Q

What are 2 other criticisms from Hume?

A
  • Can’t use mechanical analogies for a natural world
  • There’s also evidence of poor/bad designer (problem of evil)
19
Q

When were Hume’s criticisms written?

A

Written before Paley’s argument; so Paley’s mistake was not reading Hume’s criticisms

20
Q

Give 2 strengths of the design argument

A
  • Value for scripture (Bible) - doesn’t anthropomorphise God
  • Analogy helps more people understand
  • Christian God is simplest explanation
21
Q

What is the strength of the design argument in regards to evil?

A

Evil may be unavoidable for God to bring about good (soul making)

22
Q

What is a strength of the design argument in regards to the Anthropic Principle?

A

Paley’s ‘nature shows intention’ is supported by the Anthropic Principle

23
Q

What are some weaknesses of the design argument?

A
  • Inductive leap
  • Why God of classical theism?
  • Could be chance
  • Natural selection + evolution
24
Q

What point from John Paul II shows that the design argument has value for religious faith?

A

John Paul II said faith + reason support each other
Aquinas + Paley had preexisting faith + now reason that supports it

25
Q

What are the other 2 points for the design argument having value for religious faith?

A
  • Polkinghorne; faith is motivated belief, based on reason
  • Consistent w scripture (doesn’t anthropomorphise God)
26
Q

What are the 2 points that show the design argument has no value for religious faith?

A
  • Pascal: God can never be ‘proven’; faith is through the heart - the whole point is lack of knowledge (fideism)
  • The problem of evil
27
Q

What is fideism?

A

The view that religion is a matter of pure faith; rational arguments have no role

philosophy (10 decks)

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