The Teleological Argument
Cleanthes: "Look round the world …"

C is true of A.
B is similar to A.
C is true of B.(argument by analogy)

Let A = productions of human contrivance (machines etc.)
Let B = the universe and its parts
Let C = is caused by intelligence

1.Productions of human contrivance are characterized by adapting of means to ends.
2.The Universe and its parts are characterized by the adapting of means to ends.
3.The Universe and its parts resemble productions of human contrivance. (1, 2)
4.It is true of productions of human contrivance that they are caused by intelligence.
5.It is true of the universe and its parts that they are caused by intelligence. (4, 3 analogy)
6.Premise: The cause of the Universe is (by definition) is God (the Author of Nature)
7.God is intelligent. (5, 6)


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Richard Lee, rlee@uark.edu, last modified: 21 January 2003