The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Episode 167: Hume on Intelligent Design (Part Two)
Jul 10, 2017
In this discussion, philosophy scholar Stephen West dives into David Hume's critiques of the design argument in natural religion. He unpacks Hume's view that the debate often devolves into a mere verbal dispute while exploring whether order in the universe signifies a divine design or arises naturally. The conversation also touches on the problem of evil, Hume's skepticism about religion's practical role, and the concepts of fittingness versus optimization in design. Engaging and thought-provoking, this dialogue invites listeners to rethink the nature of belief and design.
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Perspective Limits Design Inference
- Hume warns our perspective is tiny compared to the universe, so analogies to human designers are weak.
- We risk projecting our needs onto the cosmos like a termite assuming the house is built for it.
Analogy Strength Depends On Similarity
- Hume argues analogical reasoning strength depends on similarity of cases and weakens rapidly with dissimilarity.
- Comparing a house to the universe is a much weaker analogy than apologists assume.
Order Versus Mindful Design
- Cleanthes narrows the design claim to teleology: order, proportion, and arrangement imply purpose.
- Hume's reply is that order alone doesn't prove a mind caused it.
