Design Argument Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the classical design argument?
The classical design argument is a philosophical argument for the existence of God, used by Catholics, which suggests that the order and purpose in the world indicate a designer.
Who was Aquinas and what was his contribution to the design argument?
Aquinas was a 13th century theologian who included the design argument as one of his ‘five ways’ to prove the existence of God.
What analogy did Aquinas use to explain the design argument?
Aquinas used the analogy of an archer and an arrow, stating that just as an archer directs an arrow, God directs things that lack knowledge towards their purpose.
What did Aquinas argue about planets?
Aquinas argued that planets, which lack knowledge but are directed to their ends, must be directed by something, which he identified as God.
Who was William Paley and what was his analogy?
William Paley was an 18th century scholar who used the analogy of a watch to explain the design argument, suggesting that a complex object implies a designer.
What conclusion did Paley draw from the complexity of the world?
Paley concluded that because the world is much more complicated than a watch and seems to have a purpose, it logically follows that the world must also have a designer, which he identified as God.
What do Modern Design Arguments focus on?
Modern Design Arguments focus on how the universe is exactly right for human life to exist.
What is the Anthropic Principle?
The Anthropic Principle argues that there are so many coincidences that we need to conclude we are not looking at coincidences at all; instead, we are looking at a plan.
What does the Anthropic Principle suggest about human life?
The argument states that when a world like this is set up the way it seems to be, human life is inevitable.
How does the Bible relate to the Design Argument?
The Bible confirms this view that we can see the work of God by looking at the way the universe is: ‘Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made.’ (Romans 1:20)
What attributes of God does the Design Argument suggest?
The Design Argument suggests that God is:
• All powerful as only an omnipotent being could design a world like this.
• Omniscient because only an all-knowing God could create a world like this.
• Loving because of the good world he has designed.
Why might Catholics believe the Design Argument is good evidence for God’s existence?
Catholics may believe the design argument is strong evidence of God’s existence because it is based on our experience of the world, which is full of complex things that seem to show design.
How do modern teleological arguments fit with scientific teachings?
Modern teleological arguments fit in with scientific teachings about the creation of the world, stating that evolution occurred through countless changes that had to occur for human beings to develop.
What does the anthropic principle state regarding the universe?
The anthropic principle states that it seems that things could not have happened any other way because of the way the universe is set up.
How does the Design Argument support Church teachings?
The Design Argument supports the teachings of the Church about the nature of God, who is seen as an intelligent creator that gives purpose to the world and to us.
What do Atheists argue about the design argument?
Atheists may argue that the design argument ignores the evidence of lack of design in the universe, such as volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and diseases causing human suffering.
If this were all part of a design, it wouldn’t seem to be the work of a benevolent God.
How do Atheists explain evidence for design?
Some Atheists argue that all evidence for design can be explained by science, particularly through evolution, without needing to consider God.
They would dismiss the work of William Paley due to this explanation.
What do Atheists say about the implications of the design argument?
Atheists point out that even if the design argument has some strength, it does not point to the existence of the Christian God. Instead, it suggests the universe has a designer, which could be multiple gods, an evil God, or a god testing this universe for a better one.
What is the Church’s stance on the belief in chance versus God?
The Church argues that believing the universe came about by chance is just as much a matter of faith as believing God brought it about, as there is no proof it was by chance.
How does the Church view the relationship between evolution, science, and faith?
The Church believes that the idea that evolution and science can explain everything without God is improvable and is just as much a matter of faith as believing in God.
What is the Church’s position on proof of a creator?
The Church accepts that there is no absolute proof a creator exists but argues that arguments like the design argument point towards God’s existence.
Why do Catholics argue for a single God over multiple gods?
Catholics argue that a single God is a simpler solution than many gods creating a universe, as it is easier to accept the existence of one thing rather than trying to explain the existence of many things.
