Philosophy - Design Argument

A posteriori - Based on experiences

Inductive - uses reasoning and the premises provide strong evidence for the  conclusion.

Created by philosopher William Paley

His argument is based on 3 observations about the world:

• Comlexity
• Regularity
• Purpose 

Also known as the 'Teleological Argument' 

Objects show clear evidence they were designed because of complexity and regularity.

The universe appears to exhibit complexity and regularity -  therefore it was made for a purpose.

Therefore its likely the universe was designed 

This designer is God

'I came across 2 items, a stone and watch and asked how they came to be there'

Natural Theology - God's existence can be answered through nature and attributes without referring to scripture.

Paley's Watch Maker Analogy

• A watch has complex parts - each with a specific function.
• A watch must be designed by a watch maker 
• The universe has parts which function together with a purpose
• The designer of the universe is much greater than a human designer.
• The universe's designer is God

Paley uses inference - he's reached the conclusion about God through evidence and reasoning.

1. The Universe was designed - there is no evidence this was God - it could have been a lesser being or a group of gods.

• There is no reason for us to believe the designer was metaphysical
• Design usually requires teamwork

2. The existence of evil and imperfection suggestes a limited designer.

• The Inconsistent Triad 

3. Anthropomorphism - giving something human form and ideas other than humans - God

• We are trying to explain the universe in our own image - to know how the universe was designed we first would need to have knowledge of  how universes are made - we dont have any experiences of universe making.

4. The Epicurean Hypothesis - the universe was created by chance

• God is an all powerful designer - this is the simplest inductive explantion 

• Evil may be unavoidable in order for God to bring about good.

• The designer is metaphysical and transcendent - above time and space - therefore He can see the past, present and future

• Anthropic Principle - Nature shows intention - there is a direct link between our observations of the universe and the 'boundary conditions' which brought it into existence.

• Evolution is compatible with God. Also it doesn't explain itself and doesn't destroy the design argument.

Look at Hume's Criticisms

1. Even if the universe was designed, God is a greater cause than needed - the universe could have been produced by a team of lesser beings.

2. The existence of Evil - is God a good designer?

3. The theory of evolution backs up Hume's argument that the universe is like a vegetable not a machine - the universe doesn't need a designer - the universe can grow on its own. Hume says this argument is an unsound analogy

4. Anthropomorphic - we apply our limited experience about design and apply it to God and the universe 

What is proof?

• Is there sufficient evidence for the truth of a proposition? 
• Is it inductive?
• Inductive arguments - can become proof when all evidence points to the truth of a conclusion

The Design argument 

• The argument is a posetriori and inductive - BUT - the evidence does not match scientific proof - also there is no way of assessing the probabilty of his argument.
• Science provides stronger evidence than Paley's argument.
• However the argument could be the best explanation of the order we see in the universe.
• Some Christians argue that the only way to get proof of God's existence is through Religious Experiences - just because we believe God designed the universe doesn't mean He did. We have to wait until we experience Him.
• Paley's argument can never have the status of deductive proof - as the premisies need to be true for the conclusion to be true - the argument can never be a logical certain proof - at most its the best probable true.

The Design argument supports faith through reasoning. As it:

• Supports Natural Theology 
• Doesn't prove God's existence but shows how reason & observation can be used to talk rationally and meaningfully about God

Can be used against atheism 

• Atheists have no more evidence that God doesn't exist than theists do that He does exist.
• 'God doesn't exist' - is reasonable, so is Paley's Design argument.

The design argument can be used as a basis for belief. 

Some say the argument has no value for faith - as faith requires commitment to God and doesn't need proof or evidence.