Paley's design argument

• The Design argument is a aposteriori argument that is based on reasoning through observation
• The design argument is an Inductive argument, which means it gives new knowledge about what is probably true
• Paley compares the world to a watch. A watch is designed by a maker, and is very intricate and complex. Paley argues that the world is also designed by a maker, and is very intricate and complex. This maker is God
• Paley gives examples from nature to back up his point. He gives the example of an eye, which is perfectly designed for seing, birds can fly, planets can orbit and fish can swim.
• David Hume wasn't directly criticising Paley, as Hume had died long before Paley invented the argument
• Hume's 5 arguments:

  Even if the universe was designed, it might not have been designed by the God of classical theism. A 'lesser being' or multiple beings could've designed the universe
• Hume's 5 arguments:

  The existence of evil suggests that the designer in some way was limited
• Hume's 5 arguments:

  The universe is an organism that could have grown itself like a vegetable. A watch is a machine that needs a designer, but the world is not like a machine
• Hume's 5 arguments:

  Paley anthropomorphises the universe – uses human terms to understand something which isn't human
• Hume's 5 arguments:

  The universe could've developed into an ordered state by chance
• Can the design argument offer proof of God?

  No - Paley's argument is inductive, which means it can't give absolute proof
• Can the design argument offer proof of God? 


  No - Paley's observations that he uses to support his argument can all be explained naturally. For example, on very basic terms the orbit of the planets can be explained through gravity
• Can the design argument offer proof of God?

  No - If the multiverse theory is correct, then design is just pure chance
• Can the design argument offer proof of God? 


  Yes - Most things we see in everyday life are based around inductive arguments. The more evidence the stronger the argument, the more probable the truth claim
• Can the design argument offer proof of God?

  Yes - We cannot be sure that the multiverse theory is true
• Strengths of the design argument

  The strengths of inductive reasoning. Inductive arguments begin with something we can see. It is difficult to deny the order and complexity of the universe
• Strengths of the design argument 


  Inductive reasoning begins with experience which is universal and testable
• Strengths of the design argument 



  The analogy makes it comprehensible. It includes something we can experience, to something beyond it. The argument is straighforward and easy to follow
• Strengths of the design argument 




  It fits in with human reason. It suggests purpose in the universe and strengthens faith. (Kant, who ironically rejected the argument)
• Strengths of the design argument 




  The argument is not necesarily incompatible with evolution and the Big Bang