The Teleological argument

• What is Aquinas' 5th way focused on?

  The teleological (design) argument
• What did Aquinas observe about natural objects?

  They do not behave randomly but towards a goal
• How do flowers demonstrate goal-directed behavior?

  They move in alignment with the sun
• What does Aquinas mean by 'telos'?

  It refers to an end or purpose
• Why can't natural objects direct themselves towards their end?

  They are non-intelligent or insufficiently intelligent
• What analogy does Aquinas use to explain directed behavior?

  Humans directing objects through physical force
• How does an archer relate to Aquinas' argument?

  The archer directs the arrow towards a target
• What does Aquinas conclude about the need for a designer?

  There must be an intelligent designer
• What is Paley's design qua Purpose argument about?

  Complexity and purpose in nature suggest a designer
• How does Paley illustrate his argument with a watch?

  A watch shows complexity and purpose needing a maker
• What does Paley say about the human eye?

  It is complex and serves the purpose of seeing
• What does Paley claim about design in nature?

  It mirrors the design found in man-made objects
• What is a crucial strength of design arguments?

  Their use of analogy to explain complexity
• Who claims that arguments by analogy are common in scientific inference?

  Swinburne
• What is Hume's objection to analogy in design arguments?

  Similarity of effects does not imply similar causes
• What does Hume argue about the creation of the universe?

  It may be radically disanalogous to anything known
• What does Hume say about artifacts and natural objects?

  Artifacts are mechanical, while nature is organic
• How do modern philosophers view Paley's argument?

  Not based on analogy but on complexity and purpose
• What does Hume's 'committee of Gods' objection suggest?

  Multiple designers could exist, not just one God
• What does Swinburne argue against Hume's claims?

  One God is a simpler explanation than many
• What is a weakness of the design argument according to critics?

  It does not prove a specific God exists
• What is the problem of evil in relation to design arguments?

  It highlights imperfections in the world
• What does Hume argue about evidence and belief?

  We should only believe what evidence suggests
• How does Darwin's view relate to the design argument?

  He argues evolution shows imperfections in design
• What does Paley say about a broken watch?

  It still requires a watchmaker
• What contemporary evidence supports Hume and Darwin's points?

  Evolution shows suffering and extinction
• What is a strength of the design argument regarding purpose?

  It accounts for purpose in nature
• How does Darwin's theory challenge the design argument?

  It explains order without implying purpose
• What do proponents of the design argument believe about purposeful features?

  They believe these features must have been created
• What does the evidence of suffering and extinction suggest about the existence of a perfect God?

  It suggests there is no perfect God.
• What sarcastic remark did Darwin make regarding design?

  “Some design, huh?”
• What is a strength of the design argument?

  It relies on purpose, hard for atheism to explain.
• Who noted that complexity could result from chance?

  Paley
• How does Aquinas’ design argument relate to purpose?

  It also relies on purpose in entities' actions.
• What does Darwin’s theory of evolution suggest about order in nature?

  It can be explained by natural scientific means.
• What do proponents of the design argument mistakenly believe about purposeful features?

  They believe they must have been created by a designer.
• What does Paley argue about complexity serving a purpose?

  It is unlikely to arise by chance, suggesting design.
• What does evolution show regarding the existence of complex organisms?

  They can exist without requiring a designer.
• What is the title of Richard Dawkins' book criticizing the design argument?

  “The Blind Watchmaker”
• What does Dawkins mean by a "blind" watchmaker?

  Mechanical forces of nature create order.