The Argument from Design with special reference to Paley and Darwin and its significance for contemporary Christian apologetic
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the nature of the Design Argument both historically and philosophically, to compare and contrast it with the Darwinian theory of evolution which resulted in the demise of the Argument in the nineteenth century, and to assess the significance it can still conceivably have for Christian apologetic today. The thesis begins with an examination of Paley's presentation of the Argument in his Natural Theology, and an assessment of its strengths and weaknesses in the light of later developments of thought. This is followed by a statement and appraisal of the philosophical criticism to which the Argument was subjected by Kant and Hume. It is argued that the popular view that these critiques inflicted irreparable damage on the Argument appears to be mistaken. The continuing role of the Argument in natural theology in the nineteenth century is traced through the Bridgewater Treatises and the contribution the writers of these treatises made to the elaboration of Paley's central thesis. The changes that began to come about in the 1830s and 1840s with regard to the view of the development of life on earth and the significance this had for the Argument from Design are discussed in
Samuel, David Norman
Theology
The Argument from Design with special reference to Paley and Darwin and its significance for contemporary Christian apologetic. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the nature of the Design Argument both historically and philosophically, to compare and contrast it with the Darwinian theory of evolution which resulted in the demise of the Argument in the nineteenth century, and to assess the significance it can still conceivably have for Christian apologetic today. The thesis begins with an examination of Paley's presentation of the Argument in his Natural Theology, and an assessment of its strengths and weaknesses in the light of later developments of thought. This is followed by a statement and appraisal of the philosophical criticism to which the Argument was subjected by Kant and Hume. It is argued that the popular view that these critiques inflicted irreparable damage on the Argument appears to be mistaken. The continuing role of the Argument in natural theology in the nineteenth century is traced through the Bridgewater Treatises and the contribution the writers of these treatises made to the elaboration of Paley's central thesis. The changes that began to come about in the 1830s and 1840s with regard to the view of the development of life on earth and the significance this had for the Argument from Design are discussed in
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