The Design Argument
A posteriori contingent knowledge based on sense experience (we draw
conclusions from what our senses tell us); gained from
observations of the world and can at best be considered probable
Inductive based on probability and not absolute analytical proof; uses
premesis to supply strong evidence for the truth of the
conclusion; they are about what is probably true and give us new
knowledge (conclusion is not necessarily true)
Based on 3 particular observations about the world:
- Its complexity (Paley looks at the complexity of biological organisms and
organs, such as the eye. He also looks at the complexity of the laws of nature by
which everything is governed).
- Its regularity (Paley observes in particular the regularity of the orbits of
comets, moons and planets and the regularity of the seasons of the year).
- Its purpose (Paley observes the machines that we make and infers that they
are built for a purpose. The complexity and regularity of a watch implies that it
has a purpose, even if we do not know what that purpose is. Our observation of
the complexity and regularity of the world therefore implies that the world too
has a purpose/telos – it cannot be the result of blind chance).
On the basis of his observations, Paley formulated his inductive design argument
(DA):
- Some objects in the world show clear evidence that they were designed because
they exhibit complexity and regularity, from which we can infer that they were
made for a purpose
- The universe appears to exhibit complexity and regularity, from which we can
infer that it was made for a purpose
- So it is likely that the universe was designed
Paley argues inductively from what we can see in the world (the appearance
of design) back to the supposed cause (God)
If we accept that there is order and purpose in the world, and accept that things
which have order and purpose have an intelligent designer, then it seems likely
that we will accept that the world itself had a designer – God.
Paley’s Analogical DA:
Analogy = comparing 1 object to another in order to clarify a point (comparison
between the features of 2 different things)
William Paley presented his version of the DA in his book “Natural Theology”
(1802)
Natural theology is a branch of theology which argues that it is possible to
understand God by examining the material/natural world that he has created
A posteriori contingent knowledge based on sense experience (we draw
conclusions from what our senses tell us); gained from
observations of the world and can at best be considered probable
Inductive based on probability and not absolute analytical proof; uses
premesis to supply strong evidence for the truth of the
conclusion; they are about what is probably true and give us new
knowledge (conclusion is not necessarily true)
Based on 3 particular observations about the world:
- Its complexity (Paley looks at the complexity of biological organisms and
organs, such as the eye. He also looks at the complexity of the laws of nature by
which everything is governed).
- Its regularity (Paley observes in particular the regularity of the orbits of
comets, moons and planets and the regularity of the seasons of the year).
- Its purpose (Paley observes the machines that we make and infers that they
are built for a purpose. The complexity and regularity of a watch implies that it
has a purpose, even if we do not know what that purpose is. Our observation of
the complexity and regularity of the world therefore implies that the world too
has a purpose/telos – it cannot be the result of blind chance).
On the basis of his observations, Paley formulated his inductive design argument
(DA):
- Some objects in the world show clear evidence that they were designed because
they exhibit complexity and regularity, from which we can infer that they were
made for a purpose
- The universe appears to exhibit complexity and regularity, from which we can
infer that it was made for a purpose
- So it is likely that the universe was designed
Paley argues inductively from what we can see in the world (the appearance
of design) back to the supposed cause (God)
If we accept that there is order and purpose in the world, and accept that things
which have order and purpose have an intelligent designer, then it seems likely
that we will accept that the world itself had a designer – God.
Paley’s Analogical DA:
Analogy = comparing 1 object to another in order to clarify a point (comparison
between the features of 2 different things)
William Paley presented his version of the DA in his book “Natural Theology”
(1802)
Natural theology is a branch of theology which argues that it is possible to
understand God by examining the material/natural world that he has created
