teleological argument

[Dermot Killingley]

The NyAya tradition proves the existence of God from the universe -
not strictly from its design, but from the major premise that
anything constructed must have a purpose. Sankara appears to use such
an argument at the beginning of his commentary on the
Brahma-SUtra/VedAnta-sUtra. But then (p.17 in Thibaut's translation)
he expressly rejects the view that the existence of God can be
inferred, insisting that God can only be known from the Veda.

Dermot Killingley

Dr Dermot Killingley (Reader in Hindu Studies)
Department of Religious Studies,
University of Newcastle upon Tyne,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU
Tel: (0191) 222 6730. Fax: (0191) 222 5185