Critically assess the Teleological argument as proof for the existence of God

The Teleological argument states that the world was designed by a superior being (i.e God). There are various forms of the argument, one of which was created by St Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. Aquinas used the teleological argument as his fifth and final 'way' when attempting to explain the existence of God. He stated that when observing nature, it is clear that organisms always behave in a way which producesa beneficial end. From this he inferred that this 'order' is down to two possibilities; it has either resulted purely by chance or by a designer.

SS
Answered by Sara S. Philosophy and Ethics tutor

5298 Views

See similar Philosophy and Ethics A Level tutors

Related Philosophy and Ethics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is Plato's 'theory of recollection'?


Does a fawn suffering in a forest fire show that there is gratuitous evil in the world


Outline Bentham's method as shown in this paragraph from Mill's 'Essay on Bentham'


Explain, and critically assess, Bentham's (Classical) Utilitarianism


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning