William Paley's analogy

Paley's argument is:

• a posteriori:
  • it is empirical in nature
  • it is based on sense experience
• inductive:
  • it is based on probability and not on knock-down proof
  • the conclusion is not necessarily true; the stronger the evidence for it, the more likely it is to be true
• analogical:
  • it is based on a comparison between the features of two different things

Paley's argument uses the approach of natural theology:

• It makes no appeal to any form of special revelation, such as the Bible or religious experience.
• It uses reason, the latest scientific knowledge and observation. 

Hence the name of Paley's book: Natural Theology. The reference to Genesis 1:1 at the end of the analogy is just pointing out that natural or revealed theology agree on the conclusion.

Paley's argument is based on three observations of the world:

• complexity: Paley goes into great detail concerning his observations about the complexity of…