UNIT 1 Alternative interpretations

• Evolution


  Darwins theory of evolution through natural selection
• Darwins theory of evolution through natural selection


  • Explains the appearance of design in living creatures without appealing to a designer
  • Creatures develop complex characteristics because they are useful
  • Creatures with non-useful characteristics tend to die out
  • Demolished paleys version of the design argument
• Arguments against evolution


  • Some religious creationists argue that evolution is a hoax and the world was created in 6 days
• Intelligent design


  A philosophical argument that tries to identify features in biology that evolution cannot explain
• Features in biology that intelligent design argues evolution cannot explain

  • Bacterial flagellum
• The theory of evolution has survived 150 + years without being disproved
• The theory of evolution remains the best explanation for the appearance of design in living creatures
• The theory of evolution does not disprove the design argument
• The theory of evolution only explains the appearance of design
• The design argument


  Has been weakened by the theory of evolution, which shows that design does not always have to be the product of an intelligent agent

  Points out design in physical matter
• Deism


  A belief in a non-interventionist god who doesn't answer prayers, send visions or prophecies, or perform miracles
• Deism


  Is a different challenge to the design argument, as it shows the argument can only prove the existence of an intelligent designer, not the god of the Bible
• The biblical god does much more than just order and create the universe, such as loving his creation, intervening through prayers and miracles, revealing himself through prophets, and judging moral behaviour
• The design argument is opposed to some of the characteristics of the biblical god, such as the existence of pain and suffering in the world suggesting the designer does not share our moral standards
• Some philosophers have embraced the design argument and developed the belief of deism