<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Recently, Del Ratzsch proposed a new version of the design argument. He argues that belief in a designer is often formed non-inferentially, much like perceptual beliefs, rather than formed by explicit reasoning. Ratzsch traces his argument back to Thomas Reid (1710-1796) who argues that beliefs formed in this way are also justified. In this paper, I investigate whether design beliefs that are formed in this way can be regarded as knowledge. For this purpose, I look closer to recent scientific study of how design beliefs are formed. I argue that the science strongly suggest that people easily form false beliefs. As a result, design beliefs can only constitute knowledge if subjects have additional reasons or evidence for design.</p></abstract>

Recently, Del Ratzsch proposed a new version of the design argument. He argues that belief in a designer is often formed non-inferentially, much like perceptual beliefs, rather than formed by explicit reasoning. Ratzsch traces his argument back to Thomas Reid (1710-1796) who argues that beliefs formed in this way are also justified. In this paper, I investigate whether design beliefs that are formed in this way can be regarded as knowledge. For this purpose, I look closer to recent scientific study of how design beliefs are formed. I argue that the science strongly suggest that people easily form false beliefs. As a result, design beliefs can only constitute knowledge if subjects have additional reasons or evidence for design.

Are Design Beliefs Safe?

Studia Humana

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

{"article-title":"Are Design Beliefs Safe?"}

Recently, Del Ratzsch proposed a new version of the design argument. He argues that belief in a designer is often formed non-inferentially, much like...

Are Design Beliefs Safe?

Publié en ligne: 30 mars 2019

Pages: 75 - 83

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sh-2019-0005

Mots clés
design argument, cognitive science of religion, safety condition for knowledge

© 2019 Hans Van Eyghen, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Are Design Beliefs Safe?

Publié en ligne: 30 mars 2019

Pages: 75 - 83

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sh-2019-0005

Mots clésdesign argument, cognitive science of religion, safety condition for knowledge

© 2019 Hans Van Eyghen, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Mots clés
design argument, cognitive science of religion, safety condition for knowledge