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Arguments for the Existence of God

Paley's Watch and the Design Argument

  • 4 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Recall questions on the kind of argument Paley makes, the watch found on a heath and what its arrangement of parts is taken to show.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

In Paley's analogy, why does finding a watch on a heath prompt a different inference than finding a stone?

Key term

What specific features of the watch does Paley highlight in his analogy?

Key term

What conclusion does Paley draw from the watch's arrangement of parts?

Key term

How does Paley's argument proceed logically from the watch analogy to God?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What type of argument is Paley's design argument, and what does it reason from and to?

    Model answer

    It is an analogical argument that reasons from observed features of the natural world to the existence of a designer.

  2. 2

    In Paley's analogy, why does finding a watch on a heath prompt a different inference than finding a stone?

    Model answer

    Unlike a stone, the watch displays complexity and a purpose-serving arrangement of parts, which demands explanation by an intelligent cause.

  3. 3

    What specific features of the watch does Paley highlight in his analogy?

    Model answer

    The watch has complex parts arranged together to serve a purpose (telling time).

  4. 4

    What conclusion does Paley draw from the watch's arrangement of parts?

    Model answer

    Such purposeful arrangement implies an intelligent designer, a watchmaker.

  5. 5

    According to Paley, what do natural organisms exhibit that is relevant to his argument?

    Model answer

    Natural organisms show intricate complexity in their structure and function.

  6. 6

    How does Paley claim the complexity found in organisms relates to purpose?

    Model answer

    This complexity serves evident purposes, such as the eye being suited for seeing.

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