Aquinas teleological argument

Question 1

What is the Greek word for ‘end’ or ‘purpose’?

Answer 1

Telos

Telos is central to understanding teleological arguments.

Question 2

What type of reasoning do design arguments use?

Answer 2

A posteriori

A posteriori reasoning is based on external evidence.

Question 3

What does Aquinas’ Fifth Way argue?

Answer 3

Natural bodies act for an end

Aquinas observes that inanimate objects follow predictable natural laws.

Question 4

According to Aquinas, what directs inanimate objects towards their end?

Answer 4

A thinking, intelligent being

Aquinas concludes that this being is God.

Question 5

What example does Aquinas use to illustrate his point?

Answer 5

An arrow needs an archer

This analogy shows that directed actions require guidance.

Question 6

What is the purpose of natural objects according to Aquinas?

Answer 6

To achieve a good result

Examples include honey and health.

Question 7

What is a key conclusion of Aquinas’ argument?

Answer 7

Processes in nature cannot happen by chance

Aquinas believes everything heads towards its goal due to intelligent direction.

Question 8

What are some questions to evaluate Aquinas’ argument?

Answer 8

• Does everything have a purpose?
• Are natural laws due to a Designer?
• What kind of designer is it?
• Is it the Christian God?

These questions encourage critical thinking about the argument’s validity.

Question 9

What is the time period during which Thomas Aquinas lived?

Answer 9

1225-1274

Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian.

Question 10

True or False: Aquinas believes that natural objects act randomly.

Answer 10

False

He argues that they act towards a specific purpose.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: Aquinas suggests that everything in the natural world is directed by a _______.

Answer 11

thinking, intelligent being

This concept is central to Aquinas’ teleological argument.