Theological Argument
Mon, 01/21/2008 - 20:19 — admin
TEACHER: Well, when Hume criticizes design on the basis of evil and suffering, he is presupposing that there is a purpose to creation. From his viewpoint, evil and suffering interfere with the fulfillment of this purpose-which he sees as material enjoyment.
When something is done for a particular purpose, it means that an end or goal is being strived for or brought about. When the argument from design becomes colored with the notion of purpose, then it becomes known as the teleological argument. The Greek word “telos”, from which the word "teleological" springs, implies the notion of an end, but in itself, “design” does not.7 An artist, for example, may create or design his work of art as the end in itself. In such a situation, there is no utilitarian motive since his painting, or whatever, is not done for the sake of something else. Now, another artist may paint for a purpose outside of the act of painting itself, such as profit, fame, sense of accomplishment, etc. Thus, design can be with or without purpose.
Perhaps the most famous form of a teleological argument is that put forward in St. Thomas's fifth proof.8 He points out that natural bodies, which are devoid of knowledge, can be seen to act for specific ends. This is evident by the fact that they practically always behave in the same manner, which brings about the best result. Take, for example, the manner in which water is evaporated from oceans, lakes, and rivers, stored overhead in the form of clouds, and then dropped back again to the surface of the earth, nourishing vegetation, quenching the thirst of the birds and animals, and also replenishing the water level. Several purposes are fulfilled in the course of this cycle, and yet the clouds, sun, water molecules, etc., cannot be accountable for the parts they play since they are lacking in intelligence.
A thing devoid of intelligence can only proceed toward a certain end if it is directed by an intelligent entity. The intelligent entity who is directing natural things to their end is God.
A famous football player in the United States who recently retired was discussing the particular event that made him decide to quit playing. He had been running with the football toward the goal, with two tacklers chasing him. As his legs started giving out, he thought, “Come on, you old legs — don’t give out on me now!” This is like a race car driver who talks to his car: “Keep on going, Betsy — don’t let me down now!” In other words, you use your body as a type of vehicle; but like all vehicles, it is bound to break down sooner or later.Theological Argument
Science of Identity Foundation – Siddhaswarupananda
TEACHER: Well, when Hume criticizes design on the basis of evil and suffering, he is presupposing that there is a purpose to creation. From his viewpoint, evil and suffering interfere with the fulfillment of this purpose-which he sees as material enjoyment.
When something is done for a particular purpose, it means that an end or goal is being strived for or brought about. When the argument from design becomes colored with the notion of purpose, then it becomes known as the teleological argument. The Greek word “telos”, from which the word "teleological" springs, implies the notion of an end, but in itself, “design” does not.7 An artist, for example, may create or design his work of art as the end in itself. In such a situation, there is no utilitarian motive since his painting, or whatever, is not done for the sake of something else. Now, another artist may paint for a purpose outside of the act of painting itself, such as profit, fame, sense of accomplishment, etc. Thus, design can be with or without purpose.
Perhaps the most famous form of a teleological argument is that put forward in St. Thomas's fifth proof.8 He points out that natural bodies, which are devoid of knowledge, can be seen to act for specific ends. This is evident by the fact that they practically always behave in the same manner, which brings about the best result. Take, for example, the manner in which water is evaporated from oceans, lakes, and rivers, stored overhead in the form of clouds, and then dropped back again to the surface of the earth, nourishing vegetation, quenching the thirst of the birds and animals, and also replenishing the water level. Several purposes are fulfilled in the course of this cycle, and yet the clouds, sun, water molecules, etc., cannot be accountable for the parts they play since they are lacking in intelligence.
A thing devoid of intelligence can only proceed toward a certain end if it is directed by an intelligent entity. The intelligent entity who is directing natural things to their end is God.