I. Philo claims that, while he is incautious in discussions of theism, "no one has a deeper sense of religion impressed on his mind," and he "pays profound adoration of the Divine Being" (p. 741).

A. Philo rehearses the argument from design, and emphasizes the teleological (or goal-oriented) character of natural things.

1. He concludes that it is very difficult to doubt a supreme intelligence.

2. He points out that, if god could not reveal herself directly and could only indicate her existence to us by her work, she would produce a world exactly like ours.

II. Cleanthes claims that theism is the only position that can be rendered intelligible while still respecting the data of experience (p. 742).

A. Cleanthes claims (again) that one cannot but help think that the universe as a designer.

1. He claims that even if one can resist the view with philosophy, one cannot sustain scruples against the design argument.

III. Philo agrees that suspension of judgment is impossible, and claims that the disagreement about intelligence is merely verbal (p. 743).