Paper Assignment no. 1

Write an essay of 3–5 pages on the following topic. Your essay should make ample use of the relevant texts, not only representing authors’ views accurately, but also citing and interpreting specific passages where appropriate. It should also go into as much depth and detail as an essay of 3–5 pages can. Finally, your essay should conform to the instructions provided in “Guidelines for Writing a Philosophy Essay.” The rough draft of your essay will be due at the beginning of your recitation section on Thursday, September 11; and the final draft will be due at the beginning of your recitation section on Tuesday, September 23.

Explain Paley’s argument for the existence of God by (1) summarizing what Paley says and (2) briefly discussing its logical form. Do you think that Paley’s argument is successful? In answering this question, describe (1) what you think are the four best objections to Paley’s argument, including at least one objection aside from the ones Philo offers, and (2) how Paley could best reply to each of these four objections.