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Why is the Teleological Argument so Popular?

Open Access
|Dec 2023

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.

Language: English
Page range: 1 - 12
Published on: Dec 16, 2023
Published by: University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 4 times per year

© 2023 Marcus W. Hunt, published by University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.