On the Inadequacy of the Design Theory

A detailed Summary of On the Inadequacy of the Design Theory

SUBJECT: The Design Theory in Hume's Dialogues

TOPIC: Skepticism of the Design Theory

PAPER TITLE: "On the Inadequacy of the Design Theory"

THESIS: That using the design theory to prove the existence of God is philosophically

The design argument is a proof for the existence of God. Hume uses this idea in the Dialogues. Cleanthes is defending this argument. He states that: 1.)Machines are produced by intelligent design. 2.)The universe resembles a machine. 3.)Therefore, the universe was produced by intelligent design. The whole argument rests upon the analogy between the design we recognize in human-created artifacts and similar design we recognize in the universe. In this paper I will attempt to argue that you cannot prove the existence of God using the design argument. First of all, the design argument is based on a faulty analogy. We don't know whether the order in nature was the result of design since, unlike our experience with the creation of machines, we did not witness the formation of the world. Second, the vastness of the universe weakens any comparison with human artifacts. Alt

hough the universe is orderly here, it may be chaotic somewhere else. Another weakness of the design!

In conclusion, using the design argument to prove the existence of God is philosophically inaccurate because:

4. Even if the design of the universe is of divine origin, we aren't justified in saying that this divine cause is a single, all powerful, or all good being. Philo states to Cleanthes: "You have no reason, on your theory, for ascribing perfection to the deity, even in his finite capacity; or for supposing him free from every error, mistake, or incoherence, in his undertakings. There are many inexplicable difficulties in the works of nature, which, if we allow a perfect author to be proved a priori, are easily solved, and become only seeming difficluties from the narrow capacity of man, who cannot trace infinite relations. But according to your method of reasoning, these difficluties become all real; and perhaps will be insisted on, as new instances of likeness to human art and contrievance. At least, you must acknowlege, it is impossible for us to tell, from our limited views whether this system contians any great faults, or deserves any considerable praise, if compared!

4. Even if the design of the universe is of divine origin, we aren't justified in saying that this divine cause is a single, all powerful, or all good being.

this divine cause is a single, all powerful, or all good being. Therefore with these reasons alone, one can argue that the design theory cannot possibly prove the existence of God.

2. The vastness of the universe weakens any comparison with human artifacts: although the universe is orderly here, it may be chaotic somewhere else.

to other possible, and even real systems (Hume, 77). Cleanthes,

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Approximate Word count = 1194
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History