Design qua PurposeDesign qua Purpose

‘A posteriori ‘ argument = based on empirical observations of the world around us.

The first of Paley’s arguments = Watch analogy:

1. Find old fashioned watch

2. complex

3. intricate

4. workmanship.

5. If any parts were shaped differently = watch wouldn't work.

Evidence of design found in the natural world e.g. human eye =

1. complex mechanism

2. designed specifically to see

“every manifestation of design, which existed in the watch, exists in the works of nature.”

Such evidence could only be the result of a ‘designing creator’ for Paley this is God

Design in nature = God

Second part of Paley’s ArgumentSecond part of Paley’s Argument

‘Design qua regularity’ =

1. rotation of planets in the solar system

2. they obey same universal laws = design in the universe.

Not have come about by chance. Conclusion: external agent must have imposed

order on the universe = agent is God.

Supporters: Anthropic Principle Supporters: Anthropic Principle ( relating to humans)( relating to humans)

F. R. Tennant in ‘Philosophical Theology’ Universe is not chaotic - more deliberate Universe designed so that evolutionary process would create

an environment in which intelligent life could exist.

(supports both evolution and Designer God) If minute changes occurred intelligent life probably wouldn't

have developed. E.g. the earth is roughly 91-93 million miles away from the sun,

if it was any closer or further away humans could not exist on the earth.

Therefore God must exist

Aesthetic ArgumentAesthetic Argument

F. R. Tennant Humans appreciate the beauty of their surroundings

–enjoy art, music and literature. This not necessary for survival (e.g. not important in

evolution) Therefore evidence of a divine creator not just

natural selection. Very good criticism again evolution Support of Teleological – purpose of design However remember Dawkins provides argument

about memes.

Further supportersFurther supporters

Richard Swinburne =

1. Probability that the world happened by chance so small - higher chance made due to a plan or purpose.

Arthur Brown

1. Ozone layer’s purpose (to filter ultraviolet rays in order to protect life) could not have happened by chance.

Dr Morowitz.

1. Complexities of protein molecules = the odds for such an object to happen by chance stand at 1/10 236.

Teleological ArgumentTeleological Argument

Thomas Aquinas (1225-74) In Summa Theologica Aquinas has ‘Five Ways’ to prove

the existence of God. ‘Design qua Regularity’ is the fifth of these.. “Everything operates as to a design. This design is from

God.”

Design qua RegularityDesign qua Regularity

Everything in the natural world that does not think for itself

e.g. an arrow, Hits its target or purpose because it is directed by

something which does think. = God. Known as ‘Design qua Regularity’ because there is

something regulating the universe. Events that follow scientific laws which are

predictable, regular and unvarying e.g. gravity.

Support: Parable by John WisdomSupport: Parable by John Wisdom

Two men stumble across an overgrown garden. First man = garden is un kept, overgrown and desolate. Second man = sees a small area of flowers neatly

planted together = evidence of a gardener First man = just by chance.

For Aquinas the universe shows evidence of regularity: that everything in nature reaches its ultimate target.

For Paley the universe shows evidence of intention, purpose and design.

David Hume’s First Argument David Hume’s First Argument In ‘Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion’

Empiricist

1. Watches etc made by more than one watchmaker so why just one creator God.

2. No evidence that the universe needs a designer – come into existence naturally.

3. Watch analogy – world is not like a machine. Universe more like something organic – no obvious design.

4. So much evil in the world why would God of Classical theism design such a world? E.g. if one of Brunel’s bridges collapsed, we would argue that he was a flawed designer.

How did Paley try to avoid this criticism?

Hume’s Second Argument:

The world could be ordered and organised because someone meant it to be

Or

It could be pure chance

Therefore the perception of design and regularity in the world simply argues for the existence of design and purpose in the universe.

It does not argue for an intelligent designer God to be in charge of the universe

Epicurean HypothesisEpicurean Hypothesis

Hume suggested the Epicurean Thesis as explanation for the design of the universe.

Epicurus said: at time of creation the universe consisted of particles in random motion – chaotic but gradually they evolved into an ordered system.

Thus apparent design could happen at random and thus does not infer a designer.

Interesting point to note....Interesting point to note....

David Hume’s book was published 24 years before William Paley’s book.

It means that David Hume never directly criticised PALEY but the teleological arguments generally.

What Paley tried to do was to respond to some of the critics at the time surrounding the teleological argument.

John Stewart Mill 1806 - 1873John Stewart Mill 1806 - 1873

World is not a pleasant place. He believed that the existence of so much suffering in the

world could mean one of two things: Either God is not good

Or God is limited in some way Mill does not argue against existence of God but rather

that God is not the omnibenevolent and omnipotent God of Classical Theism.

Darwinism ‘Origin of Species.’Darwinism ‘Origin of Species.’

Natural Selection “Survival of the fittest” (termed coined by Herbert

Spencer) healthiest survive and pass on genes Darwin’s theory of Natural Selection would explain that

the eye is the result of countless generations of genetic development and mutation.

So what Aquinas and Paley see as intelligent design Darwin sees as a natural and random process

x Steve Jones: “series of successful mistakes.”

Polkinghorne: But could God have chosen to design a universe governed by chance and law?

Davies: accepts that there must be a reason for the organisation of the universe and that it was designed.