The issue of whether God is the best or only explanation Flashcards
What is Hume’s Epicurean hypothesis?
Hume’s Epicurean hypothesis suggests that in an infinite and chaotic universe, given enough time, random chance events could lead to the formation of orderly structures or arrangements, such as the universe itself
What example is used for Hume’s Epicurean hypothesis?
For example if monkeys were randomly banging away on typewriters for an infinite amount of time, then they would produce the entire works of Shakespeare.
What is a critique of Hume’s Epicurean hypothesis?
One critique of Hume’s Epicurean hypothesis is that it assumes an infinite amount of time for random chance events to organize into orderly arrangements, but scientific evidence suggests that the observable universe began approximately 13.8 billion years ago with the Big Bang, which contradicts the assumption of infinite time.
How does the multiverse theory challenge design arguments?
The multiverse theory suggests that our universe is just one of an infinite number of universes, each with its own set of physical laws. This implies that every possible type of universe, including orderly ones like ours, exists somewhere in the multiverse. Therefore, the apparent orderliness of our universe can be explained by the existence of the multiverse rather than by design.
Counter: No evidence for the multiverse theory
However, Swinburne responds there is very little evidence for the multiverse theory. Polkinghorne agrees and claims that the multiverse theory is a ‘bold speculation’, a ‘metaphysical guess’.
How does the argument regarding the possibility of the multiverse challenge Swinburne’s position?
Evaluation defending Hume & Tegmark
The argument suggests that even if there is no direct evidence for the multiverse, its possibility undermines Swinburne’s claim that a scientific explanation for the universe’s orderliness is impossible. If the multiverse is possible, it provides an alternative explanation for the universe’s orderliness, reducing the necessity of invoking God as the only explanation.
Why is Swinburne’s design argument considered successful?
Evaluation defending Swinburne’s design argument
Swinburne’s argument is empirical and grounded in the evidence of the universe’s remarkably precise physical laws required for life. Despite the possibility of the multiverse, the evidence supports the existence of our universe with its specific properties, justifying belief in a designer based on this empirical observation.
