A Working Draft Design Argument

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P1- Intentionality gives things value and meaning. Novels possess intrinsic values and meaning, as a result of being authored, designed, endowed by their authors to posses such elements.

P2-If reality possess value and meaning, we can use logic to infer a cause, from an effect. I.E. That which possess values and meaning, indicate intentionality, authorship, design, etc..

P3-Determinism is true. To ask for proof of determinism, implies it’s true. The question itself requires determinism to be true, preceding factors to reach x conclusion, the conclusion is drawn from previously existing causes.

P4-All preceding factors, have preceding factors of their own, until one reaches a point which posses no preceding factors, i.e a first cause, or a type of  uncaused singularity, that’s the ultimate determining cause of all causes, all knowledge, all past and future, events, all values and meanings, etc..

P5- Since reality possess values and meanings, that are ultimately rooted in the first cause, reality is an intentional work, authored designed, a novel.

Brentano would respond that only mental states have intentionality.  How would you answer that objection?

Boru

Let’s put it this way, only something like a mind can assign values and meanings.

If determinism is true, then it’s not our minds assigning values and meanings.

In a novel, the characters find certain meanings and values to things, did the character assign these things values and meaning, or the author?

Imagine if a man were able to create a computer simulated reality much like our very own, with programmed characters that see themselves much like we do, the programmer assigns meanings and values to certain things in the characters realities. The characters comes to recognize values and meanings not much different than we do. They might be under the impression that they themselves are arbiters and creators of value and meaning. But that’s not really true is it?

Did their mind assign meaning and values to things, or would you agree that it was the mind of the programmer?