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Arguments for the Existence of God

Hume's Criticisms of Design

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Recall questions on how Paley moves from the watch to God and on Hume's objections to the analogy and to what design can prove about the designer.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why does Hume argue that design does not prove a perfect designer?

Key term

What alternative explanations does Hume offer for the apparent order in nature?

Process

Set out Hume's objections to the design argument.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is Hume's central criticism regarding the analogy in the design argument?

    Model answer

    Hume argues the universe is not sufficiently similar to a machine or watch to warrant the same inference about a designer.

  2. 2

    According to Hume, why does apparent design fail to prove that God has infinite power?

    Model answer

    The evidence of design only shows enough power to create what exists, not infinite power beyond that.

  3. 3

    Why does Hume argue that design does not prove a perfect designer?

    Model answer

    The imperfections and flaws in nature suggest the designer could be imperfect rather than perfect.

  4. 4

    How does Hume challenge the claim that design proves a single God?

    Model answer

    The evidence might equally suggest multiple designers working together rather than one God.

  5. 5

    What alternative explanations does Hume offer for the apparent order in nature?

    Model answer

    Hume suggests order could result from chance or from matter's own inherent organising principles rather than external design.

  6. 6

    What is Hume's Epicurean hypothesis?

    Model answer

    It proposes that a finite number of particles in random motion over infinite time would eventually fall into ordered arrangements without a designer.

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AExclusivism holds salvation is available only to Christians.
BInclusivism holds salvation is available through Christ to non-Christians.
CPluralism holds salvation is available through multiple religious paths.

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