Question 1

What is the design argument for God's existence?

Accepted Answer

The design argument, also known as the teleological argument, suggests that the universe shows evidence of order, purpose, and complexity, which implies a designer. William Paley's watchmaker analogy is a classic example: if you find a watch, you assume it had a maker, so the universe, which is far more complex, must have a divine maker. This argument is a posteriori (based on experience) and inductive (probabilistic).

Question 2

How does the problem of evil challenge belief in God?

Accepted Answer

The problem of evil argues that if God is all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and all-good (benevolent), then evil should not exist. Yet evil does exist, so either God is not all-powerful, not all-good, or does not exist. This logical problem is a major challenge to theism. Theists respond with theodicies, such as the free will defence (evil results from human misuse of free will) or soul-making (evil allows spiritual growth).

Question 3

What is the difference between the cosmological and teleological arguments?

Accepted Answer

The cosmological argument (first cause) focuses on causation: everything has a cause, so there must be a first cause (God). It is based on the principle of sufficient reason. The teleological argument (design) focuses on order and purpose: the universe appears designed, so there must be a designer. Both are arguments for God's existence but use different premises. Aquinas's Five Ways include both types.

Question 4

Do I need to know specific scholars for the exam?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should know key scholars and their ideas. For the design argument, William Paley (watchmaker) and David Hume (criticisms) are essential. For the cosmological argument, Thomas Aquinas (first cause) and Bertrand Russell (critic) are important. For the problem of evil, Irenaeus (soul-making theodicy) and Augustine (free will defence) are key. Referencing scholars shows depth and can boost your marks.

Question 5

How does science, like evolution, relate to arguments for God?

Accepted Answer

Evolution by natural selection challenges the design argument by offering a natural explanation for complexity and order. Richard Dawkins argues that evolution makes a designer unnecessary. However, some religious believers accept evolution as God's method of creation (theistic evolution). In the exam, you should be able to discuss this conflict and how believers reconcile science and faith.

Question 6

What is a theodicy?

Accepted Answer

A theodicy is an attempt to justify God's goodness and power in the face of evil. It tries to explain why a good God allows evil. Two main theodicies are Augustine's (evil is a privation of good, resulting from the Fall) and Irenaeus's (evil is necessary for soul-making and moral development). Theodicies are important for evaluating the problem of evil.

Ideas about the nature of God and existence

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