A posteriori definition
Empirical
based on sense experience
inductive definition
based on probability
the conclusion isn’t necessarily true - stronger the evidence the more likely it is to be true
Analogical definition
based on a comparison between the features of 2 different things
Natural theology definition
Questions about God can be answered by reasoning and science rather than appeal to special revelation
How does Paley try to explain God’s existence?
using reason and scientific knowledge not by appealing to special revelation
Which 3 observations of the world is Paley’s argument based on?
Complexity
purpose (design argument also referred to a teleological argument)
regularity
What was the analogy that Paley used in his book; Natural theology?
If you walk and stub your toe on a rock you don’t ask how it can to be there but if you come across a watch you do question this
What is the link between the watch analogy and God designing the world?
observation shows the watch is complex - its parts are suited to a purpose - not occurred due to chance - an intelligent watchmaker must have designed it with a purpose
Universe is complex - shows suitability of its parts for a purpose - couldn’t have happened due to chance - must have been designed - far greater complexity requires much greater designer - this is God
What are some examples in the world to support Paley’s argument?
The eye’s adaptation for vision
fins and gills are perfect for living in water
The regularity of orbits and seasons
Quote Paley used in natural theology?
“Design must have had a designer”
Who challenged Paley’s argument?
Hume
who died first paley or hume?
Hume. Don’t say that hume directly challenged Paley as he dies before his argument.
Weakness - the analogy is inappropriate because…?
it is mechanistic - encourages the idea of a designer - living organisms more appropriate
weakness - Hume said what about atoms and order?
The constantly changing arrangements of atoms over an infinite period of time meant order would inevitably occur - multiverse theories (universe designed itself)
weakness - what did Hume say about periods of order and chaos?
possible the universe alternates between periods of chaos and order - its just in a period of order right now.
weakness - the analogy is anthropomorphic meaning …?
It creates a designer in our image by giving it human qualities. Humans have no knowledge of how universes are made meaning we don’t know anything about the nature of a designer.
weakness for christians - what is a criticism of the designer being the god of classical theism?
It doesn’t have to be this God. It could be many Gods (teamwork is often behind design). The traditional Christian understanding of God is not required by what is known of the universe..
Weakness - what does the problem of evil criticise about this argument?
Natural and moral evil point to flawed design. Hume said an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God is incompatible with evil - questions character of designer.
Weakness - What do Darwin and Dawkins say about apparent order?
it is just chance (evolution). COUNTER- swinburne says evolution needs explanation so isn’t incompatible with theism
Strength - What did Swinburne argue?
existence of a single omnipotent god is the simplest explanation.
Strength - what did Paley say about evil?
Evil might be unavoidable for God to bring about good (COUNTER- if he was omnipotent he wouldn’t need evil for good)
Strength - what supports Paley’s claim that ‘nature shows intention’?
The anthropic principle (the view that the boundary conditions of the universe have to be exactly what they are for intelligent life to develop - we aren’t here by chance and God fine tuned these conditions). The multiverse theory can’t be proved.
PROOF - why may the argument being inductive not allow it to be proof?
only deductive arguments can give absolute proof
PROOF - how can Paley’s observations be explained naturally?
The rotation of planets is because of gravity and if the multiverse is true, design is due to chance.
