1. Does Paley's design argument necessarily prove the existence of God conceived as a supremely perfect being? Why or why not? Consider Dawkins' and Hume's criticisms of the argument. How does Aquinas' fifth cosmological argument differ from the eighteenth-century deistic version of Paley? Does it succeed against Dawkins? Why or why not?
2. Is belief in the existence of a supremely perfect deity compatible or incompatible with natural and moral evil? Justify your answer. Work with Hick and Mackie.
Article - Natural Theology - William Paley