The Fifth Proof of God: The Argument from Design
Thomas Aquinas’s fifth argument for the existence of God is called the Argument from Design, or the Teleological Argument. This proof asks, “Why does the universe seem to work in such an ordered, purposeful way?” Let’s explore this idea in simple language with relatable examples and analogies that even a high schooler can understand.
The Big Idea: Order and Purpose
Take a moment to look at how the world around you works. Everything seems to follow certain rules or patterns:
- The Earth orbits the sun, creating day and night and seasons.
- Plants grow by absorbing sunlight, water, and nutrients.
- Your body functions because your heart pumps blood and your lungs take in oxygen.
None of these things happen randomly. Instead, they follow a clear order and seem to have a purpose. Aquinas argued that this order points to an intelligent designer—someone who set everything up to work this way. For Aquinas, this designer is God.
An Analogy: The Archer and the Arrow
Imagine an archer shooting an arrow at a target. The arrow can’t hit the bullseye on its own; it needs the archer to guide it. Similarly, Aquinas believed that the order and purpose we see in the universe must come from an intelligent being who directs everything—just like the archer directs the arrow. That being is God.
A Real-World Example: A Smartphone
Think about your smartphone. It’s full of complex technology that allows you to text, call, and surf the internet. But your phone didn’t just randomly come together—it was designed by engineers and programmers who gave it its functions. The universe, Aquinas argued, is like that smartphone. Its complexity and order didn’t happen by chance; it was designed by an intelligent creator.
Clues from Nature: Bees and Ecosystems
Nature is full of examples of order and purpose. Take bees, for instance. They collect nectar to make honey, but in the process, they pollinate plants, helping them reproduce. This process supports entire ecosystems, providing food and oxygen for other creatures. This kind of interdependence and purpose doesn’t look random. It’s like it was set up by a designer.
Clues from Science: The Laws of Physics
Scientists have discovered that the universe follows precise laws, like gravity and electromagnetism. If these laws were even slightly different, life as we know it wouldn’t exist. For example, if the Earth were just a little closer to or farther from the sun, it would be too hot or too cold for life. The universe’s fine-tuning suggests that it was designed with purpose.
Conclusion
The Argument from Design invites us to think about the order and purpose we see in the universe. Just as a smartphone or an arrow requires a designer, so too does the intricate, purposeful order of the natural world. For Aquinas, the intelligent designer behind it all is God.
By reflecting on everyday examples like smartphones, arrows, and bees, we can see how this argument makes sense. It’s a logical way to think about the beauty and complexity of the universe.
References
- Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. Benziger Bros., 1947. Available online at: New Advent.
- Feser, Edward. Five Proofs of the Existence of God. Ignatius Press, 2017.
- Craig, William Lane. Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Crossway, 2008.
- Behe, Michael J. Darwin's Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution. Free Press, 1996.