Return to search

Reconsidering William Paley

The aim of this study is to analyze the arguments from design to intelligent design and to present the main philosophical aspects of design arguments. Without examining the conceptual background of design arguments, it is not possible to understand their roles in philosophy, theology and science. To this aim, first the philosophical usage of the argument is explained into three categories: argument from design, argument to design and intelligent design. Next, in order to provide a deeper analysis, William Paley&rsquo / s Natural Theology in its closer relation of the natural sciences and theological discourse are examined. Lastly, through the philosophy and metaphysics of design, the framework of intelligent design is discussed. Consequently, the process of design arguments can be analyzed through the concept of intelligence rather than design in the history of philosophy since it is closely related to the religious and scientific way of understanding of nature. William Paley&rsquo / s argument to design is, thus, a fragile point between the classical and contemporary versions of design arguments.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:METU/oai:etd.lib.metu.edu.tr:http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12612237/index.pdf
Date01 July 2010
CreatorsOnkal, Guncel
ContributorsSol, Ayhan
PublisherMETU
Source SetsMiddle East Technical Univ.
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypePh.D. Thesis
Formattext/pdf
RightsTo liberate the content for public access

Page generated in 0.0077 seconds