Arguments for the Existence
God – Revision Sheet
The Design Argument
William Paley developed a prominent
version of the Teleological Argument. His
argument is a posteriori, based on
observation, and inductive, offering
probable but not definitive proof. He
argued for God via Natural Theology.
The Watchmaker Analogy
Premise: A watch found on a heath exhibits clear design.
Explanation: The watch's intricate parts are arranged for a specific
purpose, implying an intelligent designer. Its complexity, regularity, an
purpose point to design rather than random chance.
Key Idea: These qualities imply design.
Conclusion: The universe is like the watch but infinitely more comple
therefore, it must have a designer, namely God.
Paley's Argument
Premise 1: Objects exhibiting complexity, order, and pur
are observed in the world.
Premise 2: Such objects (like a watch) are created by an
intelligent designer.
Premise 3: The universe resembles these complex, order
and purposeful objects, but to a far greater degree.
Conclusion: Therefore, the universe was also created by
intelligent designer (God).
God – Revision Sheet
The Design Argument
William Paley developed a prominent
version of the Teleological Argument. His
argument is a posteriori, based on
observation, and inductive, offering
probable but not definitive proof. He
argued for God via Natural Theology.
The Watchmaker Analogy
Premise: A watch found on a heath exhibits clear design.
Explanation: The watch's intricate parts are arranged for a specific
purpose, implying an intelligent designer. Its complexity, regularity, an
purpose point to design rather than random chance.
Key Idea: These qualities imply design.
Conclusion: The universe is like the watch but infinitely more comple
therefore, it must have a designer, namely God.
Paley's Argument
Premise 1: Objects exhibiting complexity, order, and pur
are observed in the world.
Premise 2: Such objects (like a watch) are created by an
intelligent designer.
Premise 3: The universe resembles these complex, order
and purposeful objects, but to a far greater degree.
Conclusion: Therefore, the universe was also created by
intelligent designer (God).
