Teleological argument

?
What was Aquinas' argument for the TA
Non intelligent material creates beneficial order -> Must be something to put intelligence into material = GOD
1 of 13
What was Aquinas' analogy of the arrow?
As an archer guides an arrow, God guides nature
2 of 13
What is Design Qua Regularity?
The concept that the universe is designed to have a regular order and structure (set of rules) to reach its purpose
3 of 13
What is Design Qua Purpose?
The concept that the universe is designed to work for its purpose
4 of 13
What are the criticisms of Aquinas' argument?
Hume: There are other explanations for apparent order e.g. gravity or blind cosmic action. Darwin: just because the world is complex doesn't mean it has been designed. Could have just evolved to complexity
5 of 13
Counter Arguments to the criticisms of Aquinas' argument are...
Tennant and the Aesthetic Principle counter these criticisms. Our appreciation of things such as art, music and literature are attributes not necessary for survival. Thus this is evidence of a divine designer
6 of 13
Describe the Puddle Analogy and why it is relevant to the argument
The puddle Analogy says: A puddle looks arounds it hole and realises that it fits perfectly inside the hole. Thus the puddle thinks that it must have been designed to fit in the hole when in fact the puddle would have adapted its shape to fit inside.
7 of 13
Continuation of card 7
This applies to the TA because we think that the world is designed for us. IT complies with the criticism of hume (other explanations of apparent order) and Darwins argument of evolution
8 of 13
What is Paley's version of the Telelogical Argument?
1. Objects in nature are analogous to mechanical objects->Analogous causes must have an intelligible designer, so mechanical objects must have an intelligible designer = GOD.. 2.In nature there are many forms of beneficial order-> beneficial order
9 of 13
continuation of card 10
Beneficial order is best explained as a result of an intelligible designer = GOD
10 of 13
What are the criticisms of Paley's argument?
Hume= 1. Unsound Analogy 2. Other possible analogies 3.Similar effects do not imply similar causes 4. An unsound analogy leads to a non-moral God. 5.IT makes God less divine and more human... Mill= Problem of Evil
11 of 13
What are the counter arguments to the criticisms of Paleys argument?
Still similar causes are similar means. 4. Could be a source of evil acting upon the world and Gods plan creating Evil&pain....If so God cannot be omnipotent
12 of 13
What is Paley's analogy?
The watch has an intelligible designer because it is so complex. The universe is analogous to this because it is also very complex thus the world has an intelligible designer
13 of 13

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What was Aquinas' analogy of the arrow?

Back

As an archer guides an arrow, God guides nature

Card 3

Front

What is Design Qua Regularity?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What is Design Qua Purpose?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What are the criticisms of Aquinas' argument?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Religious Studies resources:

See all Religious Studies resources »See all Philosophy resources »