Arguments based on obsrvation Flashcards
(17 cards)
Teleological arguments
Arguments based on the apparent reason of the universe.
Final Cause
Aristotle’s idea of the ultimate purpose of a thing - similar to a telos.
Design Argument
Patterns found in nature are explicable only by some grand cosmic designer.
Paley’s watch theory
- Watch found
- Parts of watch serve a function
- Implied watchmaker
- We can do the same with our world.
Aptness of Analogy
There is too big of a logical leap from watch to world.
J.S Mill’s Criticism
From a flawed universe, the most we can infer is flawed creator.
Criticism posited by evolution
If evolution represents design, it is an extraordinarily wasteful process.
Anthropic principle
The universe exists solely for the human race.
Ockham’ razor
If we have 2+ theories, the simpler one is probably the most correct.
Cosmological Argument
Everything has a cause/ reason for its existence, leading to God as the first cause.
Prime mover
That which creates movement as a final purpose, initiator of all.
Necessity
Something that has to be the case. Goes hand in hand with contingency.
Contingency
If something’s existence is dependent on something else. Goes hand in hand with necessity.
Infinite regress
An endless sequence going back through time, with no beginning.
Sufficient reason
An explanation which itself requires no further explanation - a final answer.
The fallacy of Composition
The logical error, cited by Hume, in assuming that whatever is true of the part must be true of the whole.
Objection strongest
Problem of evil - how can there be an all - powerful deity if evil still exists.
