Summary of "Who Designed the Designer?" – Why Islam is True with Shaykh Hamza Karamali

Podcast Information:

• Title: Why Islam is True with Shaykh Hamza Karamali
• Episode: 12 – Who Designed the Designer?
• Host: SeekersGuidance.org
• Release Date: August 29, 2019
• Description: This episode delves into the teleological (design) argument for God’s existence, examines common atheist objections, and distinguishes Shaykh Hamza Karamali’s approach from traditional theistic arguments.

Introduction

In Episode 12 of Why Islam is True, Shaykh Hamza Karamali tackles a pivotal challenge often posed to the teleological argument—the question, “Who designed the designer?” This episode builds upon previous discussions where Shaykh Hamza established foundational arguments for the existence of God, particularly focusing on the cosmological argument.

Key Quote:

“In this episode, I want to examine a commonly raised objection to this argument. Atheists object to the argument by design by asking the question, who? Who designed the designer?” (01:50)

The Teleological (Design) Argument

Shaykh Hamza begins by outlining the teleological argument, commonly known as the argument for God’s existence by design. This argument posits that the intricate complexity, information, and fine-tuning observed in the universe are best explained by the existence of an intelligent designer.

Structure of the Argument:

1. Premise One: Modern scientific discoveries reveal that life exhibits complexity, information, and dependence on the fine-tuning of physical constants. Examples include the human eye, the animal cell, and cosmological constants like gravity. (02:30)

2. Premise Two: The best explanation for these complex phenomena is the existence of an intelligent designer, inferred through the philosophical method known as "inference to the best explanation." (03:15)

3. Premise Three: This intelligent designer is God. (04:00)

4. Conclusion: Therefore, God exists. (04:30)

Notable Points:

• Shaykh Hamza differentiates between the terminology used by Christian theists (“intelligent design”) and his own use of “volitional agency.” He indicates that this distinction arises because his argument diverges fundamentally from traditional theistic arguments. (05:00)

Atheist Objection: "Who Designed the Designer?"

The central objection Shaykh Hamza addresses is the atheist challenge: if the universe requires a designer, then the designer himself must also be a designed entity. This leads to an infinite regress, questioning who or what designed the designer, thereby undermining the initial argument.

Detailed Explanation:

• Infinite Regress Problem: Atheists argue that positing a designer necessitates that the designer also be designed, leading to an endless chain of designers. (06:20)

• God as a Necessary Being: Shaykh Hamza counters by distinguishing between contingent beings (which require a cause or designer) and a necessary being (God) who does not require a designer. He emphasizes that his previous arguments have already established God as a necessary being who exists independently and does not require further explanation or design. (08:00)

Key Quote:

“Because God, by agreement of everyone who worships him, doesn't need anything. This is what atheists mean when they counter the design argument by asking the question, who designed the designer?” (07:10)

Shaykh Hamza’s Refutation of the Objection

Shaykh Hamza meticulously dismantles the "Who designed the designer?" objection by clarifying that his argument does not rely solely on the design argument but is underpinned by robust cosmological arguments already established in earlier episodes.

Core Points:

1. Pre-established Existence of God: In previous episodes, Shaykh Hamza has presented the cosmological argument, which independently proves God’s existence as a necessary being. Therefore, the design argument in this episode serves to illustrate God’s unrestricted agency rather than to prove His existence. (09:30)

2. Misapplication of the Design Argument: The objection targets the design argument as presented by Christian theists who have not established that the designer (God) is a necessary being. Shaykh Hamza’s approach, however, is rooted in Islamic theology, where God is understood as eternal and uncaused. (10:45)

3. Materialism vs. Theism: Shaykh Hamza highlights that the root of the atheist objection lies in their materialistic worldview, which inherently rejects the concept of a necessary being. This psychological commitment to materialism prevents atheists from accepting the cosmological argument and recognizing God's necessity. (12:15)

Notable Quote:

“The reason why atheists insist on asking this question, even after seeing that the universe is evidence for the existence of a necessary being, is that their psychological commitment to materialism prevents them from grasping the conclusion of the cosmological argument.” (11:30)

Implications for the Teleological Argument

Shaykh Hamza emphasizes that while the traditional teleological argument suffers from logical flaws, especially the infinite regress problem, his approach circumvents these issues by anchoring the argument in the cosmological foundation.

Highlights:

• Avoiding Infinite Regress: By establishing God as a necessary being first, the need to posit a designer for God is eliminated, thereby avoiding the infinite regress problem. (13:50)

• Evidence of God’s Unrestricted Agency: The design in the universe is not just evidence of any intelligent designer but specifically of God’s ability to create with purpose and intricate determination without Himself being subjected to design. (14:40)

Key Quote:

“That is why the objection 'who designed the designer?' is not a valid objection to the argument that I made in the previous episode, although it is a valid objection to the design argument, which, as I have explained, is flawed.” (13:10)

Conclusion and Forward Look

Shaykh Hamza concludes by reaffirming the strength of his arguments against atheistic objections and sets the stage for future discussions. He acknowledges that despite his clarifications, the design argument remains compelling to many, promising to delve deeper into its persuasiveness in the next episode.

Final Thoughts:

• Shaykh Hamza effectively differentiates his theological stance from traditional theistic arguments, reinforcing the coherence and robustness of Islamic theology in philosophical discourse. (15:30)

• He anticipates continued challenges from materialistic viewpoints but remains confident in the foundational arguments he has presented throughout the series. (16:00)

Closing Quote:

“But what is actually happening is that the atheist, the materialist, is insisting on avoiding my answer.” (14:55)

Overall Insights

This episode serves as a critical examination of the teleological argument, showcasing Shaykh Hamza Karamali’s adeptness in navigating complex philosophical debates. By intertwining traditional Islamic sciences with contemporary philosophical discourse, Shaykh Hamza not only addresses common objections but also reinforces the foundational arguments for the existence and nature of God. His approach underscores the importance of establishing logical and theological premises before engaging with specific evidential arguments, thereby presenting a comprehensive and compelling case for the truth of Islam.