Analysis Of Paley And Aquinas - 1823 Words

Analysis of â€Å"Paley† and â€Å"Aquinas† Readings in Topic 4 Introduction In the argument, â€Å"The Argument From Design† from Natural Theology, William Paley argues that living things are like watches in one crucial respect: both exhibit design, the universe with everything in it. Paley thinks that people assume that the universe works for a purpose like the watch does. So, people would reasonably conclude that the universe has a designer or creator, like the watch does, God. Although, atheists deny that the universe is designed. But, shouldn’t there be some knowledgeable or intelligent creator to guide us towards our purpose to function in life? In the article, â€Å"The Five Ways,† from Summa Theologica, Thomas Aquinas argues whether God exists, which†¦show more content†¦Summary William Paley found a watch on the ground and assumed that the watch was put together for a purpose. His arguments, then, lead towards the teleological argument, which starts from relatively specific observations to the crucial notion of purpose where there is an intelligent cause to the universe. Paley’s whole argument discusses how there must be a maker of the universe since there is a maker of the watch, which must be God. In contrast, a telescope has a designer, so an eye must also have a designer, â€Å"The end is the same; the means are the same. The purpose in both is alike; the contrivance for accomplishing that purpose is both alike: The lenses of the telescope, and the humours of the eye bear a complete resemblance to one another, in their figure their position; and in their power over the rays of light†¦ How is it possible, under circumstances of such close affinity, and under the operation of equal evidence, to exclude contrivance from one, yet to acknowledge the proof of contrivance having been employed, as the plainest and clearest of all propositions in the other?...† (Paley, p.30). If the watch could somehow reproduce, Paley still would not question that the watch still had originated from some intelligent designer. Like the watch, he thinks the universe also works for a purpose. Paley proscribes design as foresight, which is connected with purpose, however, the purpose is not the same as the function. It is said to beShow MoreRelatedPersuasive Essay : Paley s Argument From Design1217 Words   |  5 Pages PH 101-01 Instructor: Jason Smith Student: Donna Delva 6/16/17 Critically evaluate Paley’s argument from design. What kind of argument is it? How does it work? What does it aim to show? Does Paley succeed? Why or Why not? While theology may take God s existence as necessary on the basis of faith, or discovery, many philosophers have thought it’s possible to prove by reason that there must be a God. The teleological argument, also known as the argument from design simplyRead MoreEssay about A Philoshpical Approach to Proving the Existence of God4013 Words   |  17 Pagesissues that relate to the divine. Now there are two types of theology, Revealed and Natural Theology. Revealed Theology claims that our knowledge of God comes through special revelations such as the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the Koran. Saint Thomas Aquinas indicates that Revealed Theology provides what he calls â€Å"Saving Knowledge†, which is knowledge that will result in our salvation. Now Natural Theology is our knowledge of God that one ascertains through natural reasoning, or reasoning that is unaidedRead MoreThe Existence of God Essay730 Words   |  3 Pagessurprisingly very many arguments which support the existence of God. They even have proper names to go by, and most Christians believe in one of these arguments. I have listed them in the first introduction paragraph, but I will now begin my analysis of each one. Moral and Divine Command Theory ================================= This argument is stating that universal moral standards obviously exist in our World already and are evidently needed for the proper functioning