Paley Flashcards
What theory is a possible objection to Paley’s argument?
Evolution
Explain the example of finding a watch in the woods.
If I found a watch, it is unreasonable to say it had always been there. Therefore, the watch shows the activity of some intelligent agent.
Does Paley think that the watch is too complex to not have been created?
Yes
What is the argument for the watch being created by an intelligent agent?
1) This watch is extremely complex and directed towards a purpose.
2) The best explanation of this is that it came from an intelligent agent.
C) This is the product of some intelligent agent.
Paley makes the same abductive reasoning argument with the world as he does with the watch. How does he execute this?
The world is complex and purposive, and the best explanation is an intelligent creator, so the best explanation is true.
What is a possible objection to the watch-world comparison?
The purpose of the world is not clear. But the watch has the purpose of telling time.
What is an abductive inference pattern?
Relying on the truth of the BEST explanation to satisfy an argument.
What is inductive reasoning?
Reasoning that something is true b/c it has been true in all cases that you have seen.
What is deductive reasoning?
The conclusion cannot be false if the premises hold true.
True or false: Paley believes that there is no difference between the watch and world arguments.
True
What is the outline of Paley’s argument?
1) Things in the universe show order.
2) The best explanation for this order is an intelligent designer.
3) Therefore, the universe was created by an intelligent designer.
What theory is a possible objection to Paley’s argument?
Evolution
Explain the example of finding a watch in the woods.
If I found a watch, it is unreasonable to say it had always been there. Therefore, the watch shows the activity of some intelligent agent.
Does Paley think that the watch is too complex to not have been created?
Yes
What is the argument for the watch being created by an intelligent agent?
1) This watch is extremely complex and directed towards a purpose.
2) The best explanation of this is that it came from an intelligent agent.
C) This is the product of some intelligent agent.
