. . . the simplest form of the theological argument from design, once well known under the name of "Paley's watch." Paley's form of it was just this: "If we found by chance a watch or some other intricate mechanism we should infer that it had been made by someone. But all around us we do find intricate pieces of natural mechanism, and the processes of the universe are seen to move together in complex relations; we should therefore infer that these too have a Maker." (B. A. O. Williams, "Metaphysical Arguments," in The Nature of Metaphysics, D. F. Pears, ed.)
Analyze the following argument in terms of the schema for arguments from analogy. Briefly state at least one criticism that calls the strength of the argument into question.
1. The universe is similar to a watch in relevant respects (intricate mechanism, complex relations).
2. The watch has a maker.
So, 3. The universe has a maker.
Criticism: Not very many relevant similarities.
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