teleological argument

American  

noun

Metaphysics.

1. the argument for the existence of God based on the assumption that order in the universe implies an orderer and cannot be a natural feature of the universe.

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teleological argument British  

noun

1. Also called: argument from design.  philosophy the argument purporting to prove the existence of God from empirical facts, the premise being that the universe shows evidence of order and hence design Compare ontological argument cosmological argument

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Example Sentences

Thomas Aquinas’s Five Ways is known as a teleological argument for the existence of God from the presence of design in experience.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

What then shall we say is the final outcome of this discussion concerning the rational standing of the teleological argument?

From A Candid Examination of Theism by Romanes, George John

The most cogent argument for the intelligence of the world-ground, the teleological argument, is a hypothesis which has grave weaknesses, and one to which many other equally probable hypotheses may be opposed.

From History of Modern Philosophy From Nicolas of Cusa to the Present Time by Falckenberg, Richard

Nor is the case essentially different with the more refined form of the teleological argument which we have had to consider—the argument, namely, from General Laws.

From A Candid Examination of Theism by Romanes, George John

His great defect was in not perceiving that this teleological argument, per se, is not in either case enough to convince, but only to arouse serious attention.

From Thoughts on Religion by Gore, Charles