Paley, William

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English Christian theologian and philosopher. He put forward the argument for design theory, which reasons that the complexity of the universe necessitates a superhuman creator and that the existence of this being (God) can be deduced from a ‘design’ seen in all living creatures. His views were widely held until challenged by Charles Darwin.

His major treatises include The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy (1785), A View of the Evidences of Christianity (1794), and Natural Theology (1802).

The flag was selected following a design competition. The waves represent the Pacific Ocean. Effective date: 12 July 1979. >>