The document discusses teleological arguments for the existence of God based on apparent order and purpose in the world. It outlines the design arguments put forward by philosophers like Aquinas, Paley, and Swinburne, noting they observe design and purpose in nature and conclude a creator God must exist. However, the document also explains challenges to these arguments from David Hume and developments in science like Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, which provide alternative explanations for order and complexity without needing to invoke God.
An Introduction to Philosophy
Lecture 04: Philosophy of Religion
James Mooney
Open Studies
The University of Edinburgh
j.mooney@ed.ac.uk
www.filmandphilosophy.com
@film_philosophy
This presentation presents the second of three core arguments for the existence of God and presents evidence for God being the intelligent cause of the universe.
An Introduction to Philosophy
Lecture 04: Philosophy of Religion
James Mooney
Open Studies
The University of Edinburgh
j.mooney@ed.ac.uk
www.filmandphilosophy.com
@film_philosophy
This presentation presents the second of three core arguments for the existence of God and presents evidence for God being the intelligent cause of the universe.
Chapter 5 The Design ArgumentChapter Outline1. Goal-Directed S.docxchristinemaritza
Chapter 5 The Design Argument
Chapter Outline
1. Goal-Directed Systems
2. Two Kinds of Design Argument
3. Paley’s Watch
4. The Analogy
5. Abductive Arguments Often Postulate Unobserved Entities
6. Hume’s Criticisms of the Design Argument
7. Is the Design Argument a Weak Argument from Analogy?
8. Is the Design Argument a Weak Induction?
There are three main traditional arguments for the existence of God—the cosmological argument, the design argument, and the ontological argument. Aquinas’s first, second, and third ways, surveyed in the previous chapter, are cosmological arguments. Cosmological arguments take different forms; each cites a general feature of the whole universe as evidence that there is a God. The second type of traditional argument, the design argument, is the one we’ll consider in the present chapter. The ontological argument will occupy our attention in Chapter 8.
Aquinas’s fifth argument for the existence of God is an instance of what has come to be called the Argument from Design. The design argument has a variety of forms, some of which I’ll describe. To start things off, here is a formulation that is close to the one Aquinas uses:
1. Among objects that act for an end, some have minds whereas others do not.
2. An object that acts for an end, but does not itself have a mind, must have been designed by a being that has a mind.
3. Hence, there exists a being with a mind who designed all mindless objects that act for an end.
Hence, God exists.
Note as a preliminary point that the transition from (2) to (3) commits the Birthday Fallacy described in Chapter 4. If each mindless object that acts for an end has a designer, it doesn’t follow that there is a single designer of all the mindless objects that act for an end.
Goal-Directed Systems
What does Aquinas mean by “act for an end”? This phrase corresponds to the modern idea of a goal-directed system. Human beings act for an end because they have desires; these desires represent the ends or purposes or goals to which behaviors are directed. Human beings are capable of goal-directed behavior because they have minds. Consider, however, a different example: a guided missile. It is a goal-directed system. Its goal or function is to reach and destroy its target. If the target veers off to the side, the missile can adjust its behavior so that it will achieve its purpose. Guided missiles are goal-directed systems, but they don’t have minds. How is this possible? The answer is consistent with what Aquinas says in premise (2). Guided missiles are artifacts. They are devices built by creatures with minds—namely, human beings. This is how missiles obtained the machinery that allows them to engage in goal-directed behavior.
Are there other examples of goal-directed systems besides human beings and artifacts? Nonhuman organisms provide a third category. Even bacteria, which evidently don’t have beliefs and desires, seek out nutrients and avoid poisonous chemicals. Because of this, it seems pl ...
Dr. John Oakes taught a class on Modernism and Scientific Materialism at the 2015 International Christan Evidence Conference at York College in York, Nebraska, June 19-21. He gave a brief overview of the history of modern science and then give a world view critique of the philosophy, comparing it to Christianity. Here are notes and power points from the presentation.
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
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