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Summary Design (teleological) argument - Revision
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This is a summary of the Design Argument including: Definitions Key Ideas Support for the agument Criticisms Key Scholars
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THE DESIGN ARGUMENTDEFINITION
An a posteriori argument which claims that the universe appears to
display features of design. The argument is therefore that this design
cannot come about by chance and can only be explained with reference to an
intelligent, personal designer.
“The oldest, the clearest and the most accordant with the common
reason of mankind” - Kant
STRENGTHS/KEY IDEAS
An analogy which can be drawn in accordance with this is between the
works of humans and the works of nature, and to conclude that there are
sufficient similarities to infer design of a similar nature. Since the works of
nature are much greater than that of man. Therefore, an infinitely great
creator must be responsible, this being God.
This argument also rests upon the suitability of the world for human life.
The order in the universe and everything available to us is the ideal
environment for human life.
There is order in the universe. There are regulations in the behaviour of
objects and laws in the universe which seem to hold (this is referred to qua
regularity). The argument therefore is that if the universe were to have been
a result of chance how does everything work in tandem? This order can,
however, be explained with reference to a powerful creator, this being God.
Everything in the universe also a purpose as they appear to be working to
achieve an end or purpose. This is referred to as qua purpose. This
argument is similar to that of order because if everything was created by
chance why does everything have a purpose. Surely this must the result of a
thoughtful and omnipotent creator and this argument states that this is God.
‘Whatever lacks knowledge cannot move towards an end, unless it
be directed by some being endowed with knowledge and
intelligence.’ – Aquinas’ Fifth Way.
There is also more to the universe than simply that which is required to
survive. For example, there is the presence of beauty, the universe is
“saturated with beauty”. This supports the idea of a benevolent creator
as well as an omnipotent one because he has not only given us all we need to
survive but to enjoy this survival.
CLASSICAL APPROACHES TO THE ARGUMENT
Thomas Aquinas’ Fifth Way
“things which lack knowledge act for an end. Whatever lacks
knowledge cannot move towards an end, unless it be directed by
some being… and this being we call God.”
This can be used in reference to behaviour habits amongst animals which
remain unchanging as they do not have the consciousness to decide such an
aim- it is as though they are guided by something else.
William Paley and his analogies
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