The Teleological Argument: Argument from DesignPurpose

1
The Teleological Argument Argument from
Design/Purpose
Wm. Paley (1743-1805)
(A posteriori vs. a priori argument)

• The order and intricacy of things in the universe
  make sense only if an ordering and purposive mind
  is their cause

• Analogy watch . . universe
• watchmaker . . universe-maker

2
Criticisms of the Teleological Argument David
Hume

• Even the claim that the universe exhibits order
  is doubtful it is a human imposition
• We cannot use analogy in discussing the universe
  we do not experience universes or know that
  intelligent beings produce them
• Even if we argue analogously, we cannot conclude
  that its creator is one, wise, good or even still
  existing

3
Criticism of the Design ArgumentCharles Darwin
(1809-82)

• Things in nature exhibit order, but that is not
  the result of design or purpose
• Things appear orderly because random variations
  produce adaptive individuals
• Objection (Fine Tuning Argument) divine design
  is a more likely explanation for the intricate
  conditions needed for life