The design argument

To analyse and evaluate the design argument by: Explaining order and design Aquinas’ fifth way The role of analogy – William Paley

Teleological argument – the design argument https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foeM6vXZCys Telos – order or purpose – searching for meaning or purpose within the world First part of the argument is analogical – draws on analogy between the world and objects of human design. Second form of the argument is inductive- based on observation of that the universe demonstrates regular motion both in its parts and as a whole. What does this mean? Can you give an example for each?

‘What could be more clear or obvious when we look up to the sky and contemplate the heavens, that there is some divinity or intelligence’. Cicero What did Cicero mean by this?

The design argument There are certain aspects of the universe that display evidence of being deliberately designed. Design can only be explained with reference to an intelligent, personal designer. Since the works of nature are far greater than the works of humanity, the suggested explanation is God

The design argument tries to address the question of ‘why is the universe as it is’? Order –regularities in the behaviour of objects and laws in the universe Benefit – the orderly structure provides all that is necessary for life Purpose – objects within the universe seem to be working towards an end purpose Suitability for human life – the order of the universe provides the ideal environment for human life to exist Appearance – could be said to exhibit beauty, something more than basic survival In other words…..the probability of the world coming about by chance is far too remote.

= + Fred Hoyle – an astronomer , said the likelihood of the conditions necessary coming about by chance are akin to a hurricane sweeping through a scrap yard and assembling a Boing 747.

Aquinas’ fifth way – the premise for his argument There is beneficial order in the universe i.e. there are things in the universe that work towards an end or purpose This beneficial order could not happen by chance Many objects do not have the intelligence to work towards an end or purpose, i.e the objects themselves cannot work towards an end or purpose Therefore, they must be directed by something that does have intelligence Therefore God exists as the explanation of beneficial order

Who establishes that there is beneficial order in the universe? How do we argue from that to the conclusion that God has designed it? The design argument is highly empirical – it draws its premises from observation of nature and the worlds that is based on our experience. It requires the observer to note nothing more than the world in which he or she lives. It is therefore an a posteriori argument.

William Paley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arWyrC-FIgE Paley believed the world was like a machine – intricate parts that all worked towards an end for the benefit of the whole. The watch serves as an analogy for the world – it demonstrates purpose, design and telos (an end or ultimate function) All parts of the watch unite to fulfil the function – this unity cannot be explained by chance

Plenary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NGj6Zk9Wj0

Assessment point Explain the Design Argument as presented by Aquinas and Paley.(10 marks) Look at the assessment criteria Look at the questions you should ask yourself before writing Look at the sentence stems to help you

Homework – Reflection reading and questions