<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Why are teleological arguments based on biological phenomena so popular? My explanation is that teleological properties are presented in our experiences of biological phenomena. I contrast this with the view that the attribution of teleological properties to biological phenomena takes place at an intellective level – via inference, and as belief or similar propositional attitude. I suggest five ways in which the experiential view is the better explanation for the popularity of such teleological arguments. Experiential attributions are more <italic>easy</italic>, <italic>impactful</italic>, and <italic>implastic</italic>. The experiential view accommodates cases of conflicting attributions, and it makes sense of the readiness with which we follow such teleological arguments. I respond to objections and explain how my view builds on existing answers to this question found in the philosophical literature.</p>
</abstract>

Why are teleological arguments based on biological phenomena so popular? My explanation is that teleological properties are presented in our experiences of biological phenomena. I contrast this with the view that the attribution of teleological properties to biological phenomena takes place at an intellective level – via inference, and as belief or similar propositional attitude. I suggest five ways in which the experiential view is the better explanation for the popularity of such teleological arguments. Experiential attributions are more easy, impactful, and implastic. The experiential view accommodates cases of conflicting attributions, and it makes sense of the readiness with which we follow such teleological arguments. I respond to objections and explain how my view builds on existing answers to this question found in the philosophical literature.

Why is the Teleological Argument so Popular?

Studia Humana

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Why is the Teleological Argument so Popular?"}

Why are teleological arguments based on biological phenomena so popular? My explanation is that teleological properties are presented in our experiences of...

Why is the Teleological Argument so Popular?

Published Online: Dec 16, 2023

Page range: 1 - 12

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sh-2023-0016

Keywords
high-level perception, philosophy of perception, teleological argument, teleology, William Paley

© 2023 Marcus W. Hunt, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Why is the Teleological Argument so Popular?

Published Online: Dec 16, 2023

Page range: 1 - 12

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sh-2023-0016

Keywordshigh-level perception, philosophy of perception, teleological argument, teleology, William Paley

© 2023 Marcus W. Hunt, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
high-level perception, philosophy of perception, teleological argument, teleology, William Paley