David Hume used the analogy of a machine; machines are designed by human beings with intelligence. The world and the universe it is in resembles a machine. Therefore, the world must have been created by means of intelligent design. These analogies are used to prove that God exists by using the analogies to prove that every design has a designer , just like the world was created by God. This is an argument by analogy, and is convincing to some, but often more convincing to those already inclined to believe in the existence of God
A key feature of the teleological argument is order. Hume set out two versions of the design argument.
Hume’s first argument was:
- To speak of design it implies a designer
- Great design implies a great designer
- There is great design i8n the world
- So there must be a great designer.
Hume’s second argument is as followed:
- The world is ordered.
- This is either due to chance or because of design
- It is entirely possible that the world did come about through chance.
God is described as that of an architect whose design of the universe performs in a mechanic fashion and that there is order and appearance of design in the universe. Cleanthes’ analogy is to that of human intervention. If intelligent humans create machines then the analogy holds that which has design and order in the universe must also have an intelligent creator.
Arthur Brown has supported the argument for design based as astronomy. Brown pointed to the ozone layer as evidence of design. He argued that the ozone layer had a purpose to filter out ultra violet (UV) rays in order to protect the lives on earth and it could not have happened by chance as the Big Bang describes everything came here by chance.
The anthropic principle was developed by F.R Tennant. Anthropic means to be linked to science and study of mankind. Tenant believed there were 3 types of natural evidence in the world are in favour of a divine designer which is God. These are :
- The fact the world can be analysed in a rational manner
- The way the world has provided the basic necessities required to sustain life Eg. Oxygen (O2)
- The progress of evolution even point to design.
F.R Tennant also developed an idea that it was possible to imagine that the world was “chaotic” where the universe had no rules. He believed the universe was evidently not chaotic but in actual fact it is designed to support life. This is a key feature as it appears to be beautiful at all levels and that there is more to life than mere existence. Human life is the ultimate end product of Gods design. Also humans appreciate aesthetic activity such as art, music and literature. But as art, music and literature are not necessary for mere survival they have not come about through natural selection. Therefore our lives are the product of a creator who designed us for a particular purpose. This is also known as the aesthetic argument.
Swinburne argued that the order of the universe shows evidence of a personal and conscious choice of God. From this order we can see Gods claim of beauty; he claimed that we cannot have beauty without order. The order is a good thing. Richard Swinburne was also famous for his analogy. He agreed and accepted the anthropic principle. Swinburne however, made two conclusions; the universe is governed by law and he believed that the order is a product of regularity of co-presence. Everything works together in an orderly fashion. Swinburne also believed that Paley focused on the mechanics of nature which reflects the regulations of co-presence. He concluded that either the universe reflects all the examples of design due to random chance ? Oe the universe is a product of design from a createful and almighty designer such as God.
In conclusion, if the universe contains elements of the design process then for this to be possible there must be a designer who designed it. Many doubt this theory as they use scientific explanations to prove this such as the big bang theory where they suggest everything was created due to scientific chance. All of the theorists suggest a greater beings (God) presence and work in the world. John Polkinghorne was a physicist and priest. He believed that the universe is not fixed and instead God is constantly interacting with his creation. Polkinghorne also believed that God was the explanation for the design of the universe. He continued act through his creation.