Philosophy of Religion
What is Teleological Argument?
It comes from the Greek Terms telos meaning end or goal and logos meaning reason or
rational account. Hence, teleological argument argues that since the universe has
common theme, goal, or purpose - one that is complex and intricate - then it cannot
argue just by mere chance but rather through the existence of a grand designer of the
world - a designer with certain mental properties such as intention, knowledge, and
purpose.
Means ends/order which exist is best explained by Purposive Design.
What are the three proponents anchored on the Teleological Arguments?
Paley’s Design Argument
Fine-Tuning Argument
An Intelligent Design Argument
Who is William Paley?
He is one of the major proponents of the Teleological Argument for God’s existence.
Using an argument from analogy, he argued that since we infer that there is a designer
of an artifact such as watch, the universe to and other works of nature have a grand
designer, as like the watch they are also even greater in terms of their order and
complexity.
“means ordered to ends”
What does a Fine-tuning argument mean?
The fundamental laws and parameters of Physics and initial conditions of the universe
are extraordinarily balanced - or “finely tuned” - with just the right conditions for life to
occur and flourish.
Who is Robin Collins?
One of the foremost defenders of the fine-tuning teleological argument.
“the initial conditions of the universe are balanced on a ‘razor’s edge” for the
existence of life.
What does the Intelligent Design argue?
The intelligent design movement regards that the Darwinian vision that undirected
natural causes that produces the full diversity and complexity of life to be inadequate.
Who is William Dembski?
Leader in the movement, argues that demonstrating transcendent design in the universe
is a scientific interference, not a philosophical pipedream.
Philosophy of Religion (MIDTERMS COVERAGE)
Teleological Arguments for God’s existence
If there are events, objects or structures in the natural world which are both complex and specified,
Dembski concludes that design best explains them.
Explanatory Filter for detecting design
Does a law explain it?
Does chance explain it?
Does design explain it?
Who is Michael Behe?
He is a biochemist that coined the term “irreducibly complex”
Single system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that
contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts
causes the system to effectively cease functioning.
irreducibly complex system cannot be produced directly (that is, by continuously
improving the initial function, which continues to work by the same mechanism)
by slight successive modifications of a precursor system, because any precursor to
an
irreducibly complex system that is missing a part is by definition nonfunctional.
Are evolution and creation compatible?
Evolution and creation can be compatible depending on one's interpretation of religious
texts and scientific theories. While some see aspects of evolutionary theory, such as
natural selection, as compatible with the concept of creation, others view them as
conflicting. Proponents of the teleological design argument may find harmony between
the intricate design of the universe and the idea of a creator. Conversely, those
supporting the fine-tuning argument or intelligent design may question the purely
naturalistic explanations provided by evolution. Ultimately, the compatibility of evolution
and creation hinges on individual interpretations of religious beliefs and scientific
evidence.
Paley’s Design argument
PALEY’S DESIGN ARGUMENT BOX
