Edexcel AS Phil Teleological

Front

What is the Teleological (design) argument?

Back

It is the argument that the complexity and purpose observed in natural objects suggest they were designed by an intelligent being.

Front

Who proposed the Teleological argument and what was his main observation?

Back

Aquinas proposed the argument, observing that natural objects behave in a goal-directed manner, moving towards a certain purpose.

Front

What example does Aquinas use to illustrate goal-directed behavior?

Back

He uses the example of flowers moving towards the sun to obtain sunlight.

Front

What is Aquinas' conclusion about natural laws?

Back

Natural laws must have an intelligent designer because non-intelligent beings cannot direct themselves towards an end.

Front

What is William Paley's design argument?

Back

Paley argues that the complexity and purpose in natural objects, like a watch, imply the existence of a designer.

Front

How does Paley illustrate his design argument?

Back

He compares finding a watch to finding a rock, noting that the watch's complexity suggests it had a maker.

Front

What analogy does Paley use to support his argument?

Back

He compares the complexity of the human eye and the wings of birds to the intricacy of a watch, suggesting both require a designer.

Front

What is Hume's objection to the design argument?

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Hume argues that just because two effects are similar, it does not mean they have similar causes.

Front

What is the 'committee of Gods' objection?

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Hume suggests that even if there is evidence of design, it does not necessarily point to the God of classical theism; there could be multiple designers.

Front

What is the problem of evil in relation to the design argument?

Back

Hume argues that the existence of evil and suffering in the world challenges the idea of a perfect designer.