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PALEY'S DESIGN ARGUMENT - Coggle Diagram
PALEY'S DESIGN ARGUMENT
THE STATUS OF HIS ARGUMENT AS 'PROOF
DOES OFFER PROOF
Most things we accept as true in life are based on inductive arguments
they are accepted as 'true beyond reasonable doubt'
the stronger the evidence is, the more probably true a claim is
Many theists may be satisfied that the argument offers proof because its consistent with their pre-existing beliefs and world view
its consistent with biblical teachings (Genesis/creation story- God created)
theists may see this rationally and empirically based argument as providing 'proof' for their religious beliefs
This argument uses observation/empiricism- this is a popular way of attaining proof in the 21st century
DOESNT OFFER PROOF
Only deductive arguments can offer absolute proof
the design argument is induscuve, so can never be absolutely certain
PASCAL- 'it has little impact"
Even if it proved design, it cannot prove who the designer is (this part of the argument requires faith)
'GOD' as designer isnt empirically proven by Paley
There are credible alternative explanations for the appearance of design- they undermine the arguments status as proof
An atheist is unlikely to be satisfied by the design argument because these alternative explanations demonstrate the argument is outdates/incorrect/flawed
Fideists (believe knowledge of God is through faith alone) would argue that natural theology cannot leas to knowledge of God
its impossible to 'know God in this way
religion is a matter of faith, rather than objective proof
Richard Dawkins has demonstrated significant flaws to the argument
he argues evolution and natural theology explains the illusion of design- theres no intelligent designer
THE VALUE IF HIS ARGUMENY FOR RELIGIOUS FAITH
DOES HAVE VALUE
Pope John Paul II asserts in his book 'Fides et Ratio' that reason and faith are mutually supportive
'Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth'
this argument compliments faith- faith is beyond reason but its not contrary to reason
John Polkinghorne "faith is motivated by belief, based on evidence"
Paleys argument is rationally and empirically based
his reasoning and use of empiricism therefore provides strong support for theists
it gives them a 'reasoned defence of their faith' [wittgenstein]
its consistent with biblical teaching (e.g Genesis 1:1)
it confirms biblical teaching there is a 'guiding hand' directing nature in a purposeful way
Palyes argument gives evidence to support the belief that God exists
His description od the universe's design encourages belief in God [HH PRICE]
DOESNT HAVE VALUE
PASCAL: faith is a matter of the heart, not just reason
"we know the truth, notably through our reason, but also through our heart"
The existence of God is not just something that can be proves
For Fideists, rational arguments play no part in faith as they do not lead to committment
Belief in God must be based on 'faith alone'- you cannot try to prove god exists in this way
Paley's argument doesnt successfully address the problem of evil
this may restrict its value for faith in an omnibenevolent God