Whether God is the best or only explanation Flashcards
What is a strength of the design argument?
A strength of the design argument is its basis in Aquinas’ Natural theology
The design argument’s basis in Aquinas’ Natural theology is a strength because it carefully avoids claiming too much. It suggests the existence of a powerful designer without specifically asserting the Christian God, allowing for a coherent connection between faith and observation.
How does Aquinas’ natural theology contribute to the design argument?
Aquinas’ natural theology provides a foundation for the design argument by demonstrating the coherence between faith and observation. It suggests that belief in a designer is reasonable based on observations of design in the natural world, which can support faith in concepts like the Christian God.
A strength of the design argument is its basis in Aquinas’ Natural theology
What is the significance of McGrath’s characterization of Aquinas’ natural theology?
A strength of the design argument is its basis in Aquinas’ Natural theology
McGrath’s characterization highlights the role of Aquinas’ natural theology in demonstrating the inner consistency of belief in God. By showing that belief in a designer is reasonable, Aquinas’ natural theology supports faith, including Christian belief, as a rational position.
What is Hume’s objection to the design argument regarding the nature of the designer?
Weakness: Hume’s ‘commitee of Gods’ objection
Hume argues that even if there is evidence of design in the universe, it does not necessarily imply a specific type of designer, such as the God of classical theism. He suggests alternative possibilities, like junior or apprentice gods, or even a committee of gods, which undermines the argument’s support for monotheism.
How does Hume challenge the conclusion drawn from the design argument?
Weakness: Hume’s ‘commitee of Gods’ objection
Hume questions the inference from design in the universe to the existence of a specific kind of designer, such as the God of classical theism. He proposes alternative explanations, like multiple or lesser gods, which weaken the argument’s justification for monotheism.
What is the implication of Hume’s objection to the design argument?
Weakness: Hume’s ‘commitee of Gods’ objection
Hume’s objection undermines the design argument’s ability to support monotheism by suggesting that design in the universe does not necessarily imply a single, omnipotent God. It opens the possibility of alternative explanations for the observed design.
What does Swinburne agree with Hume about regarding the design argument?
Evaluation defending the design argument
Swinburne acknowledges that the design argument alone cannot prove that the designer possesses the attributes of the God of classical theism.
How does Swinburne use Ockham’s razor in response to Hume’s objection?
Evaluation defending the design argument
Swinburne suggests that positing one God as the designer of the universe is a simpler explanation than proposing multiple designers, which aligns with the principle of Ockham’s razor.
What evidence does Swinburne cite to support the idea of a single designer?
Evaluation defending the design argument
Swinburne points to the uniformity of the laws of physics as suggestive of a single designer, as it implies a consistency and coherence in the design of the universe.
What aspect of Hume’s critique does not undermine a posteriori arguments based on Aquinas’ natural theology?
Evaluation defending the design argument
Hume’s critique regarding the uncertainty about the nature of the designer does not undermine these arguments because proponents like Paley and Swinburne aim to show the reasonableness of believing in a designer, not necessarily to identify the specific attributes of that designer.
What limitation does Hume highlight regarding the support and value for faith provided by an argument for a generic designer?
Evaluation criticizing the design argument
Hume suggests that such an argument provides limited support and value for faith because it does not specify the nature or attributes of the designer, leaving open the possibility of an infinite number of conceivable designers, some of which may not even be gods.
Why does Hume argue that showing the logical consistency of God with observation is insufficient?
Evaluation criticizing the design argument
Hume suggests that if such consistency alone strengthens faith, it indicates that faith is irrational because actual evidence, not just logical consistency, is required for rational belief.
