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Design Inferences in an Infinite Universe

Monton, Bradley (2008) Design Inferences in an Infinite Universe. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This paper addresses two main questions. First, how does one determine that something has the features it does as a result of design, as opposed to for example chance? Second, how are inferences to design affected when one makes the (plausible) assumption that the universe is spatially infinite? I will show that arguments for the existence of God based on the improbable development of life don’t go through under the supposition that the universe is spatially infinite. I will also show that the model of design inferences promulgated by William Dembski is flawed, because it has the consequence that one can never infer design in a spatially infinite universe. My model for design inferences has the (desirable) consequence that there are circumstances where a seeming miracle can count as evidence for the existence of God, even if one would expect that type of event to naturalistically occur in a spatially infinite universe.

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Item Type: Preprint
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Monton, Bradley
Keywords: Michael Behe, William Dembski, Robert Shapiro
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
General Issues > Science and Religion
Depositing User: Bradley Monton
Date Deposited: 20 Apr 2008
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:16
Item ID: 3997
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
General Issues > Science and Religion
Date: April 2008
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3997

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