theme 1 - the teleological argument

Question 1

What is an A Posteriori Proof? What does it rely on?

Answer 1

• Based on experience
• A Posteriori Proof relies on empirical evidence and inductive reasoning.

Question 2

What type of reasoning is associated with A Posteriori Proof?

Answer 2

• Inductive reasoning (based on experience)

Question 3

What type of evidence does A Posteriori Proof rely on?

Answer 3

• Empirical evidence (sense experience) derived from observation and experimentation

Question 4

What kind of conclusions does A Posteriori Proof reach?

Answer 4

• only probable conclusions, there are always other possible conclusions

Question 5

What is the Design Argument based on?

Answer 5

• the idea that there are signs of complexity, regularity, order and purpose in the universe and that this suggests design (CROP)

Question 6

what is Premise 1 of the Design Argument?

Answer 6

• things which are designed have a designer
• this premise asserts that design implies an intelligent creator

Question 7

what is Premise 2 of the Design Argument?

Answer 7

• the universe shows signs of design
• this premise points to observable features in the universe that suggest intentional design

Question 8

what is the conclusion of the Design Argument?

Answer 8

• the designer is God

Question 9

What is Aquinas’ Fifth Way?

Answer 9

A form of the teleological argument included in Thomas Aquinas’ five ways.

Question 10

What does Aquinas argue from in his Fifth Way?

Answer 10

Design in relation to the order and regularity in the universe.

Question 11

What is ‘design qua regularity’?

Answer 11

The concept that the order evident in the world indicates a designer.

Question 12

What does Aquinas consider as proof of a designer?

Answer 12

The overall order evident in the world.

Question 13

According to Aquinas, what do many objects lack?

Answer 13

Intelligence to work towards an end purpose themselves.

Question 14

What example does Aquinas use to illustrate his point?

Answer 14

An acorn whose end is an oak tree.

Question 15

What conclusion does Aquinas reach regarding objects that lack intelligence?

Answer 15

They must be directed by something that does have intelligence.

Question 16

What must exist according to Aquinas’ argument?

Answer 16

An intelligent being, which he identifies as God.

Question 17

What analogy is used to explain the concept of purpose in nature?

Answer 17

• the Archer and Arrow Analogy
• an archer shooting an arrow at a target illustrates how everything in nature is directed to its goal by God

Question 18

What are some examples of order and regularity in nature?

Answer 18

• photosynthesis
• pollination

Question 19

Who put forward the teleological argument known as ‘design qua purpose’?

Answer 19

• William Paley
• Paley’s argument emphasizes that design implies purpose.

Question 20

What analogy does Paley use to illustrate his argument?

Answer 20

• the analogy of a stone and a watch
• a stone is seen as an accident, while a watch provides evidence of design if the purpose of the watch is not obvious

Question 21

What key features of a watch illustrate the concept of design?

Answer 21

• consists of parts
• each part has a function
• parts work together for a specific purpose

Question 22

What is the main argument presented by Paley regarding the watch?

Answer 22

• the watch consists of parts that work together for a specific purpose, indicating it must have been designed
• this is used as an analogy to argue for the existence of a designer for the universe

Question 23

How does Paley compare the universe to a watch?

Answer 23

• the universe possesses complex features similar to a watch but on a far more wondrous scale
• this comparison implies that both must have been designed

Question 24

What conclusion does Paley draw about the universe?

Answer 24

• the universe has been designed by a wondrous universe maker, i.e., God

Question 25

What examples does Paley use to support his argument about design in nature?

Answer 25

- Paley shows the intricacy of animals and humans, particularly using the example of the eye - the eye serves as a prominent illustration of design and purpose

Question 26

What is Tennant’s Aesthetic Argument?

Answer 26

- humans possess the ability to appreciate beauty found in music, art, literature, and the natural world - this argument suggests that the appreciation of beauty is not necessary for survival, implying evidence of a divine creator.

Question 27

What does Tennant argue regarding the Aesthetic Argument?

Answer 27

- It is evidence of a divine creator and cannot be the result of natural selection

Question 28

what is the Anthropic Argument?

Answer 28

- the universe is not chaotic; it contains the conditions necessary for life to exist - this argument highlights the specific environmental conditions that support life

Question 29

what conditions does the Anthropic Argument identify as necessary for life?

Answer 29

- warmth from the sun - air - water - an environment where food can grow - these elements are fundamental for sustaining life on Earth.

Question 30

what is the relationship between evolution and design according to Tennant?

Answer 30

- he argued that evolution is part of the design - this viewpoint suggests that evolution does not contradict the notion of a divine creator

Question 31

what is The Goldilocks Principle?

Answer 31

- the idea that conditions in the universe are 'just right' for life to exist

Question 32

who are the two philosophers mentioned in relation to these arguments?

Answer 32

- Paley and Tennant