The Teleological Argument for the Existence of God in the Teachings of Swami Vivekananda

Abstract

The article deals with the teleological argument, expounded by the world-famous Indian thinker and public figure Swami Vivekananda one of its Western lectures. The question of finding and justification of rational arguments for the existence of God has been relevant throughout the history of philosophical thought. Among all the justifications for the existence of God, thinkers singled out a teleological argument, also called the argument from design. This argument became famous in the presentation of the medieval philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas, as well as the Anglican theologian of the 19th century William Paley. The teleological argument in favor for the existence of God was also developed in the Indian philosophical tradition, in particular, by thinkers of the nyaya and vaysheshika schools. It was most fully reflected in the work "Nyayakusmanjali" by Udayana, the philosopher of the 10th century. In Western lectures, Vivekananda was forced to present convincing arguments for the truth of his religious beliefs to the audience, so he paid great attention to the rational justifications for the existence of God. Swami Vivekananda teachings have not lost their popularity until our days, therefore, the study of the argument formulated by the thinker in defense of the existence of God is relevant. Through hermeneutical and comparative historical methods, the article analyzes the texts of speeches, lecture notes and Vivekananda's correspondence. It is revealed that the argument from religious experience prevails in the works of the Indian thinker. Vivekananda also expounds historical, moral, cosmological and teleological arguments. In presenting the teleological argument, the Indian thinker appeals to the co-presence and temporal ordering of the universe, does not fully accept Darwin's theory and tries to reconcile his ideas with the scientific knowledge of his era. The article defines the reasons for the thinker's criticism of the argument from design. The conclusion is made about Vivekananda's construction of the teleological argument in its Indian version.