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1802 William Paley Watch on the Heath
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1802 William Paley Watch on the Heath
Photograph of the start of William Paleys 1802 book on " Natural Theology" showing the title and text of his opening " Watchmaker analogy". Also in the photo are an Orrery mechanism and an original signed letter by William Paley. " Paleys Watch" is a teleological argument that the discovery of a designed object would logically suggest the existence of a designer, just as the presence of complex nature suggests a God. Paley was not the first, but is the most famous, proponent of this analogy. Paley owes much to the work of John Ray in his " Wisdom of God as Manifest in his Works of Creation" (1691). Darwin enjoyed the closely argued logic of this set text while a student at Cambridge - though his own " Origin of Species" (1859) would suggest a radically different explanation for natural complexity. Richard Dawkins alludes to this in his title of " The Blind Watchmaker"
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319415
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Bible Darwin Intelligent Design Natural Theology Science And Religion Dawkins John Ray Paley
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the essence of William Paley's influential book, "Natural Theology" published in 1802. The image captures the title and text of Paley's opening analogy known as the "Watchmaker analogy". Alongside this profound piece of literature, two other remarkable artifacts are featured: an Orrery mechanism and an original signed letter by William Paley himself. "Paley's Watch" presents a teleological argument that profoundly suggests the existence of a designer when encountering a designed object. Just as complex nature implies the presence of God, discovering a meticulously crafted timepiece would logically indicate its maker. While Paley was not the first to propose this idea, he is undoubtedly its most renowned advocate. The roots of Paley's work can be traced back to John Ray's groundbreaking publication in 1691 titled "Wisdom of God as Manifest in his Works of Creation". Interestingly enough, Charles Darwin found solace in Paley's closely reasoned logic during his studies at Cambridge University. However, it was Darwin himself who later presented a radically different explanation for natural complexity through his seminal work "Origin of Species" (1859). Richard Dawkins cleverly alludes to this dichotomy with his book title "The Blind Watchmaker" highlighting how evolutionary processes challenge traditional notions put forth by thinkers like Paley. Through Paul D. Stewart's skillful capture and presentation, this print serves as both an artistic masterpiece and a testament to the ongoing dialogue between science and religion surrounding intelligent design theories and natural laws.
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