Fifth Way

The fifth way is taken from the governance of the world.

I. We see that things which lack intelligence, such as natural bodies, act for an end,

  • and this is evident from their acting
    • always, or nearly always, in the same way,
    • so as to obtain the best result.
  • Hence it is plain that not fortuitously, but designedly, do they achieve their end.

II. Now whatever lacks intelligence cannot move towards an end, unless it be directed by some being endowed with knowledge and intelligence;

  • as the arrow is shot to its mark by the archer.

III. Therefore some intelligent being exists by whom all natural things are directed to their end;

IV. and this being we call God.

Please support the Thomistic Philosophy Page with a gift of any amount.

%d bloggers like this: