Aquinas design argument
-Aquinas argues that the intricate complexity and order in the universe can only be explained through the existence of a great designer
-A posterior argument
Paleys analogical design argument
-A watch has complex parts each with a function, and the parts work together for a specific purpose
-so the watch must have been designed by a watchmaker
- similarity the universe has parts that function together for a purpose
-so the universe must have been designed by a universe maker
-the universe is a far more wonderful design than a watch, so its designer is much greater than any human designer
- the universe designer is God
William Paley
-Paleys argument is based on observation
-a posteriori
-it is inductive and makes inferences
-Paleys argument is based on 3 observations about the world complexity, regularity and purpose
-complexity, complexity of nature world (e.g eye)
-regularity, Paley observes the regularity of the orbits of comets, moon and planets
-purpose, observes the machines that we make and infer they are built for a purpose
paleys design argument
-some object in the world show clear evidence of design because they exhibit complexity and regularity and we can infer they were made for a purpose
-so it is likely that the universe was designed
-paley argues inductively from what we can see in the world (appearance of design) back to the supposed cause (God)
design argument criticism
-David Hume, why not many Gods? the argument does not prove the existence of the Christian God
-David Hume, analogy is flawed the world is more like a vegetable than a machine “the world plainly resembles more an animal or vegetable than it does a watch”
To make an analogy between the designer of human machines and a designer of a universe is anthropomorphism
-Richard Dawkins, Evolution and natural selection explains the illusion of design. There is no intelligent designer
the argument does offer proof
-most things we accept as true in life are based on inductive arguments, they are accepted as true beyond reasonable doubt
- many theists may be satisfied that the argument offers proof because it is consistent with their pre existing beliefs and world view. It is consistent with biblical teaching “In the beginning God created”
-argument uses observation
the argument doesnt offer proof
-only deductive arguments can offer absolute proof
-Richard Dawkins has demonstrated significant flaws to the argument
-Even if it proved design, it cannot prove who the designer is
God as a designer is not proven by Paley
-an athiest would not believe the argument because these alternative explanations demonstrate the argument is outdated/incorrect
Design argument quote paley
“All these interlocking parts did not just come together by chance”
