NACHMAN KROCHMAL AND THE ARGUMENT FROM DESIGN

For the nineteenth century Jewish Galician philosopher, Nachman Krochmal (1785-1840), the argument from design is the most powerful argument in Jewish literature. This paper is separated into seven parts, each of which aims to give the reader a better understanding of the argument from design. In each part, the argument is compared and contrasted with other arguments for and against the existence of G-d from classical Western philosophers up until current writers. Historical and contemporary objections to the argument from design are shown to be based upon philosophical misunderstandings. The thesis of this article is that the argument from design remains the most powerful argument for the existence of G-d. In addition, in contrast to other arguments for the existence of G-d, such as the ontological arguments, it is the metaphysical argument that is closest to the nature of the G-d of worship of the Jewish religion.