Teleology
the account of a given thing’s purpose; design and purpose in the world
Design Argument
based on the observation of the apparent order in the universe and the natural world, concluding that the universe is a result of design rather than chance
A posteriori
knowledge gained by logical deductions made from observation and experience of the material world
Inductive arguments
cannot prove, but try to persuade by providing evidence from human experience in support of the conclusion
Synthetic statement
a statement that requires external information, usually empirical data, to verify whether it is true or false
Final Cause
Aristotle’s concept of purpose – that for which a thing exists. For Aristotle, the universe is entirely purposive.
Analogical arguments
Paley’s design qua purpose argument links the design of a watch with the design of the universe.
The Fifth Way - from the governance of the universe
Aquinas argument from the regularity of the universe is an argument to the design thus designer of the universe..
Analogy
Likening something to something else in order to bring out the meaning of the original. Aquinas believes that religious language is always analogical. When we say ’God is good’, it is an analogy for the transcendent and overwhelming goodness of God, which we cannot properly comprehend.
Analogical arguments
Paley’s design qua purpose argument links the design of a watch with the design of the universe.
Darwinism
The argument, developed principally by Charles Darwin, that living beings evolve (randomly) through adaptation and natural selection.
Empiricism
the belief that knowledge is gained through the senses and evidence that can be tested
Intelligent Design
A modern theory which argues that certain features of living things are best explained by the conscious design of an intelligent being and not by random processes such as natural selection. Michael Behe is perhaps the best-known advocate.
Irreducible Complexity
The argument of supporters of Intelligent Design that some biological phenomena have a structure which cannot be explained by any evolutionary cause.
Anthropic Principle
The argument of Swinburne that the universe is adapted for human life.
Aesthetic Principle
The argument of Tennant that the universe is full of beauty unnecessary for mere survival.