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→V: The Fifth Way: Demonstrations drawn from Intelligent Design and the Physical Laws of the Universe. Creatures acting for an end:
In the Fifth, God's Intelligence and Wisdom is deduced from the laws of the created universe and the design inherent in nature. The universe like a programmed algorithm behaves in ordered ways, manifesting an Intelligence working behind the scenes that governs all things. St. Thomas here argues that physical laws themselves are already sufficient evidence of Intelligent Design, which ought to lead righteous minds to their Eternal Creator.
In the Fifth, God's Intelligence and Wisdom is deduced from the laws of the created universe and the design inherent in nature. The universe like a programmed algorithm behaves in ordered ways, manifesting an Intelligence working behind the scenes that governs all things. St. Thomas here argues that physical laws themselves are already sufficient evidence of Intelligent Design, which ought to lead righteous minds to their Eternal Creator.
1. We see unintelligent things move toward an end, e.g. orbiting planets.
1. Unintelligent things constantly move toward an end, e.g. orbiting planets, as if guided by an Intelligent Being
2. Things which lack intelligence are not capable of doing so, unless guided to do so by a Being that has Intelligence.
2. Things which lack intelligence are not capable of doing so, unless guided to do so by a Being that has Intelligence.
3. Therefore, the laws of Nature, like arrows directed by an archer, work toward a fixed end because of the Intelligence that guides them.
3. Therefore, the laws of Nature, like arrows directed by an archer, work toward a fixed end because of the Intelligence that guides them.
4. In other words, God constantly guides created things by His laws.
4. In other words, God constantly guides created things by His laws. The universe behaves liked an algorithm or programmed system.
These five proofs or five ways to arrive at the knowledge of God through reason are a supreme demonstration of the Truth of what St. Paul the Apostle says in his epistle to the Romans: "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" (Rom 1:20).
These five proofs or five ways to arrive at the knowledge of God through reason are a supreme demonstration of the Truth of what St. Paul the Apostle says in his epistle to the Romans: "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" (Rom 1:20).
==References==
==References==