The design argument

• What does the design argument suggest about the world?

  It suggests an intricate appearance of design.
• What must there be according to the design argument?

  There must be a designer.
• On what is the design argument based?

  It is based on human experience.
• What does the design argument give a sense of?

  A sense of meaning and purpose.
• How is evolution described in relation to design?

  As an adequate explanation for complex design.
• What is the classical design argument sometimes called?

  The teleological argument.
• With which ancient thinkers does the design argument originate?

  Ancient Greek and Roman thinkers.
• Who is associated with the Five Ways to prove God?

  1. Thomas Aquinas.
• What analogy did William Paley use in his argument?

  A watch analogy.
• What would one not assume about a watch found in a field?

  That it came together by chance.
• What did Paley believe about the universe?

  It appears to have design.
• What does the existence of evil and suffering challenge?

  The design argument's assertion of a designer.
• What did David Hume argue about the universe?

  It is impossible to use analogy to explain it.
• What does Hume suggest about the existence of evil?

  It challenges the notion of a perfect designer.
• What does Richard Dawkins suggest about the universe?

  It should not be assumed to have a designer.
• What does Dawkins argue about the appearance of order?

  It can arise without a designer.
• What does the existence of suffering imply according to Dawkins?

  It suggests a poor designer or no designer.
• What does the design argument imply about nature?

  Nature has purpose and order.
• What does the evolutionary theory suggest about complex organisms?

  They developed through natural processes.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the design argument?

  Strengths:

  • Suggests purpose and order in nature
  • Based on human experience

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Challenges from the existence of evil
  • Evolution provides alternative explanations
• How does the design argument relate to scientific examination?

  • Encourages scientific examination of the universe
  • Seeks to understand underlying rules of nature
  • Leads to conclusions about a designer
• What is the relationship between evolution and the design argument?

  • Evolution explains complexity without a designer
  • Suggests order and purpose can arise naturally
  • Challenges the necessity of a designer
• Who suggests that people see the world with 'purpose-colored spectacles'?

  Richard Dawkins
• What does evolution as an explanation of order and purpose suggest?

  Complex organisms developed through genetic mutation
• What are the two processes through which complex organisms have developed?

  Genetic mutation and natural selection
• Why do Catholic responses argue against the uniqueness of evolution?

  Because it does not explain divine creation
• How can humans learn from their suffering and mistakes according to the text?

  By recognizing evil as a result of free will
• What supports the concept of order according to the text?

  Science and evidence
• What must specific evolution have been directed by?

  A designer, God
• What is the key source of wisdom and authority mentioned in the text?

  Romans 1:20
• What should you include in your response regarding the design argument?

  Justify your points with relevant examples
• What are the components of the design argument?

  • Strong argument for God's existence
  • Based on complexity and order in nature
  • Requires justification with examples
• What is the strongest argument for the existence of God according to the text?

  The design argument
• What should you consider when evaluating arguments for and against the existence of God?

  Refer to Catholic teachings and philosophical arguments
• What is essential to include in your response about the design argument?

  Reference to wisdom and authority sources
• What should you do when picking points for your argument?

  Justify each point clearly
• What are the guidelines for constructing a strong argument in your response?

  • Reference Catholic teachings
  • Include non-religious viewpoints
  • Cite relevant philosophical arguments
  • Reach a justified conclusion
• What should you avoid in your answers according to the text?

  Using areas for improvement
• What is the purpose of the design argument?

  To argue for God's existence through complexity
• How should you structure your response to the design argument?

  Include references and justified conclusions