The Design Argument Flashcards
Which scholars are against the design argument?
F.R Tennant
William Paley
St Thomas Aquinas
Richard Swinburne
David Hume main argument against
No need to presume the need for a cause. Universe is outside our experience.
Which scholars are for the design argument?
David Hume John Stuart Mill Immanuel Kant Richard Dawkins Charles Darwin
Richard Dawkins main argument against
Blind watchmaker. Purpose is a human concept.
Cicero
De Natura Deorum
“What could be more clear or obvious when we look up to the sky and contemplate the heavens, than there is some divinity or intelligence.”
What is the design argument often referred to as?
The telelogical argument. From the Greek ‘telos’ meaning end or purpose.
The design argument is an A Posteriori argument. Why?
Because it is an argument based on the evidence of our observation of the world.
What main points indicate the existence of an intelligent designer?
Order Benefit Purpose Suitability for human life Appearance
St Thomas Aquinas
(1225 - 1274)
Five ways in Summa Theologica
There’s beneficial order in the universe
The order didn’t happen by chance
Objects do not have the intelligence to work towards an end
Therefore they must be directed by something that doesn’t
There God exists
William Paley
(1743 - 1805)
Natural Theology - the watchmaker
The world was like a machine it's an intelligent design. The world is like a watch 1. Has a purpose 2. Works in a specific way 3. Has regularity and order 4. Therefore must been designed
F.R Tennant
1866 - 1957
Existence of an intelligent designer is found not in order but has beauty. The aesthetic principle.
F.R Tennant Quote
“Nature is not just beautiful in places but it is saturated with beauty - on the telescopic and microscopic scale.”
