The Design Argument: Aquinas

Question 1

Aquinas: Key Claim

Answer 1

Non-Rational natural objects consistently act towards an end (telos), which implies a purpose. since these thins lack intelligence, they must be directed by somthing intelligent -> God

Question 2

Aquinas: Structured Argument

Answer 2

Observation: planets, atoms, whales, act in regular, goal directed ways These things lack rationality They therefore must be guided by intelligent beings Conclusion: there must be a supreme intelligent being that directs all natural things

Question 3

Aquinas: Three Philosophical Features

Answer 3

A Posteriori Inductive Teleological

Question 4

Aquinas: strengths

Answer 4

Appeals to order and regularity
Supported by modern science-> planetary orbit

Question 5

Aquinas: weaknesses

Answer 5

Hume: regularity could arise naturally
Kant: order and purpose are categories of the human mind — we project them onto nature rather than discovering them
Science: natural process like gravity or evolution explain the regularity without god
Doesn’t prove the classic theistic god

Question 6

Aquinas: analogy

Answer 6

unintelligent objects work towards ends “like an arrow to its target”