The Teleological Argument
William Paley's Design Argument
A. The Argument -
- P1. If we observe an object exhibiting purpose in its design, we infer the existence of a designer.
- P2. A watch exhibits purpose in its design.
- C1. Therefore, if we discover a watch, we legitimately infer the existence of a watchmaker.
- P3. The universe is like a watch (i.e., it exhibits purpose in its design)
- C2. Therefore, the universe must have been designed by a universe-maker.
- P4. The being we call 'God' is the designer of the universe.
- C3. Therefore God, the universe-designer, exists.
B. Anticipated Objections -
- Never seen a watch made.
- The watch is imperfect.
- We do not understand how all of the parts contribute to the final end.
- Only one accidental configuration of an infinite number of combinations of the parts.
- A principle of order inherent in all things (order implies orderer).
- Order or design is an illusion.
- Watch caused by "natural law".
- We just don't understand the "Big Picture."
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