Introduction+to+the+Teleological+argument

Although there are variations, the basic argument can be stated as follows:


 * 1) X is too complex, orderly, adaptive, apparently purposeful, or beautiful to have occurred randomly or accidentally.
 * 2) Therefore, X must have been created by a sentient, intelligent, wise, or purposeful being.
 * 3) God is that sentient, intelligent, wise, or purposeful being.
 * 4) Therefore, God exists.

The variable X can be any number of things. In typical discourse on the subject it usually stands for the universe, the evolutionary process, humankind, a given animal species, or a particular organ like the eye or a capability like language in humans. X may also stand for the fundamental constants of the universe, like physical constants and physical laws.

While most of the classic forms of this argument are linked to monotheism, some versions of the argument may substitute for God a lesser demiurge, multiple gods and/or goddesses, or perhaps extraterrestrials as cause for natural phenomena, although reapplication of the argument might still imply an ultimate cause. One can also leave the question of the attributes of a hypothesized "designer" completely open, yielding the following simple formulation:


 * 1) Complexity implies a designer.
 * 2) The universe is highly complex.
 * 3) Therefore, the universe has a designer.

A concise and whimsical teleological argument was offered by G. K. Chesterton in 1908: "So one elephant having a trunk was odd; but all elephants having trunks looked like a plot."