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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Instructions
Read the assigned reading from the chapter. Then choose ONE of the questions below to answer. Answer the question you chose in a response that is a minimum of 1-2 paragraphs.
Be sure to explain your answers and give reasons for your views. You should cite the textbook and use brief quotations and summaries from the textbook in your response. Do NOT use any other sources besides the textbook.
If you are a theist, answer question one (1) on page 72. If you are an agnostic or atheist, answer question two (2) on page 72.
What are the relevant similarities and differences between Paley’s watch and the universe? Is the watch analogy a good one? Why or Why not?
What is Aquinas’ s first-cause argument? Does it prove the existence of the traditional God of theism? Why or why not?
Explain an objection to Anselm’s Ontological Argument (either Kant or Gaunilo).
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
Question 1: Paley’s watch analogy argues that the complexity and design of a watch implies the existence of a designer. Similarly, Paley argues that the complexity and order of the universe imply the existence of a designer or a God. However, there are differences between the two. For example, a watch is an artificial and human-made object while the universe is a natural and self-existing object.
Whether the watch analogy is a good one or not is subjective and depends on one’s beliefs and perspective. Some might argue that the watch analogy is a good one because it effectively illustrates the concept of design and purpose. On the other hand, others might argue that the watch analogy is flawed because it oversimplifies the complexity of the universe and does not accurately represent the differences between a watch and the universe.
Question 2: Aquinas’ first-cause argument is a proof for the existence of God based on the concept of causality. Aquinas argues that everything that exists must have a cause, and there must be a first cause that is uncaused, self-sufficient, and eternal, which is God. However, the first-cause argument does not prove the existence of the traditional God of theism, as it only proves the existence of a first cause, but does not provide specific characteristics of this first cause.
Question 3: An objection to Anselm’s ontological argument is the critique by Kant, who argued that existence is not a property or predicate of an object and therefore cannot be used as a criterion for determining the reality or greatness of an object. Another objection is the critique by Gaunilo, who argued that Anselm’s argument can be applied to any object, regardless of whether it exists or not, which implies that the argument is not specific to God. Therefore, both objections challenge the validity of Anselm’s ontological argument and cast doubt on its ability to prove the existence of God.
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