Paley
modernNatural Theology1743 – 1805
William Paley (1743–1805) was an English Anglican clergyman and natural theologian best known for his argument from design in 'Natural Theology' (1802). His watchmaker analogy became the canonical statement of teleological argument for God's existence, influencing both theists and, through Darwin's response, the development of evolutionary biology. He also wrote influential works on moral philosophy and Christian evidences.
Notable Achievements
1
Formulated the watchmaker analogy as a systematic argument for intelligent design
2
Authored 'Natural Theology' (1802), a landmark text in philosophy of religion
3
Wrote 'A View of the Evidences of Christianity' (1794), a standard apologetics text for over a century
4
Developed utilitarian foundations for Christian ethics in 'The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy' (1785)
5
Provided the primary target Darwin consciously addressed in developing natural selection