It is a teleological argument which supports the existence of God. It is an 'a posteriori argument based on observation. By William Paley
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What were Paley's 3 observations
1) Complexity e.g. biological organisms 2) Regularity e.g. Planets and seasons. 3) Purpose
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Basis of the argument
1) Teleological - everything in nature has a telos. 2) Inductive, a posteriori and synthetic. 3) The world is complex yet regular which means it's existence is not an accident. It must have been designed.
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Paley's Analogy
Stone vs Watch. Stone = simple, could have been there forever and by chance. Watch = complex = must have been designed. It must have a watch maker. Watches are complex, regular& have purpose.
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What does the Watch equate to in this Analogy?
The universe
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Quotes
'Like effects have like causes'. 'The marks of design are too strong. Design must have a designer, that designer is God'
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Paley's examples
The eye, Fins and gills, Feathers, Stars and planets. All show complexity, regularity and purpose.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What were Paley's 3 observations
Back
1) Complexity e.g. biological organisms 2) Regularity e.g. Planets and seasons. 3) Purpose
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