Teleological argument: Encyclopedia II - Teleological argument - The argument

Teleological argument - The argument

Although there are variations, the basic argument goes something like this:

1. X is too complex to have occurred randomly or naturally.
2. Therefore, X must have been created by an intelligent being.
3. God is that intelligent being.
4. Therefore, God exists.

(Alternatively more than one intelligent being must have created X; therefore more than one creator, (ie. gods and goddesses) exist. see: Polytheism.)

X usually stands for the universe; the evolution process; humankind; a given animal species; or a particular organ like the eye or capability like language in humans. X may also stand for the fundamental constants of the universe like physical constants and physical law. Sometimes this argument is also based on the anthropic principle that these constants seem tuned specifically to allow intelligent life to evolve.

Some would substitute for God multiple Gods or Gods and Goddesses, a lesser demiurge, or perhaps extraterrestrials as cause for natural phenomena, although reapplication of the argument would imply an ultimate cause. However, the classic forms of this argument are linked to monotheism. The being, if there is only one, may or may not be both omniscient and omnipotent. There cannot be more than one omnipotent entity.

In the 19th century, this argument as presented by William Paley formed an important part of the doctrine of the Church of England, see Watchmaker analogy. Since in the late 20th century, the teleological argument has gained renewed interest as a core element of the theory of Intelligent Design and the related efforts to reconcile science and faith. Opponents claim that such arguments are not compatible with modern science because they are neither falsifiable nor natural.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "The argument", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki