strengths and weaknesses of DA

Question 1

strengths of DA:

Answer 1

evolution does not destroy DA as God could have caused evolution
purpose shown through fine tuning
inductive so based on our observations
most simple explanation
supported by modern arguments e.g free will defence, process theology, Hick’s Iranaean theodicy

Question 2

Swinburne quote:

Answer 2

‘simplicity is always evidence for truth’

Question 3

weaknesses of DA:

Answer 3

too much evil for omnipotent and omnibenevolent God
vegetable analogy backed up by Darwin’s theory of evolution
no experience in universe making

Question 4

what is fine tuning?

Answer 4

the world is so complex and is extremely precise so must have been designed rather than be here by chance

Question 5

DA as proof:

Answer 5

it is an inductive argument so based on evidence
Paley’s arguments

no way of assessing the probability of the argument
Hume’s criticisms

Question 6

DA for religious faith:

Answer 6

Paley’s argument supports faith by reasoning as it is inductive
atheists have no more evidence to prove God does that exist than God does exist

no value as faith is not based on proof but is based on commitment to God