William Paley’s design argument Flashcards
What is Paley’s argument of design qua Purpose?
Paley’s argument of design qua Purpose is that the combination of complexity and purpose observed in natural objects/beings is best explained by a designer.
How does Paley illustrate his argument of design qua Purpose?
Paley illustrates his argument with the example of a watch found on a heath, contrasting it with a rock that appears to have always been there.
What does Paley suggest about finding a rock on a heath?
Paley suggests that finding a rock on a heath does not clearly suggest that it was designed; it could be assumed to have always been there.
Why does Paley think the presence of a watch on a heath indicates a designer?
Paley thinks the presence of a watch, with its complexity and purposeful design, indicates that it must have been created by a designer, unlike a simple rock.
What does Paley suggest about finding a watch on a heath compared to a rock?
Paley suggests that finding a watch on a heath indicates it was designed because it is composed of intricately formed parts arranged to perform the purpose of telling time, unlike a simple rock.
What are the two key features of the watch that suggest it had a designer according to Paley?
The two key features are complexity and purpose.
Why does Paley believe the watch could not have come about by chance?
Paley believes the watch could not have come about by chance because its parts are intricately shaped and arranged to produce a regulated motion for telling time, indicating design.
What conclusion does Paley draw from the complexity and purpose of the watch?
Paley concludes that the complexity and purpose of the watch must mean it had a designer – a watchmaker.
hat does Paley compare to the complexity and purpose of a watch?
Paley compares the complexity and purpose of the watch to the complexity and purpose of natural objects, like the human eye, the wings of a bird, and the fins of a fish.
What examples does Paley use to illustrate complexity and purpose in nature?
Paley uses the human eye (for seeing), the wings of a bird (for flying), and the fins of a fish (for swimming).
What is Paley’s argument regarding the design found in nature?
Paley argues that the complexity and purpose found in natural objects, similar to that in a watch, indicate that they too must have a designer.
hat does Paley mean by “Every manifestation of design, which existed in the watch, exists in the works of nature”?
Paley means that the same evidence of intentional design seen in the complexity and purpose of a watch is also present in natural objects, suggesting they were designed as well.
How does Paley extend his argument from a watch to the universe?
Paley argues that, just as the complexity and purpose of a watch indicate a watchmaker, the complexity and purpose in the universe indicate a universe designer.
Why must the universe designer have a mind according to Paley?
The universe designer must have a mind because design requires a designer who has a purpose in mind and knows how to arrange parts to achieve that purpose.
