Regardless of the number or kinds of goal-directed systems in the universe, the Design Argument requires only that some mindless beings are goal-directed.

Two forms of this argument:

Global Design Arguments

A Global Design Argument cites some general feature of the whole universe and argues that this feature should be explained by the hypothesis that it is the product of intelligent design. For example, why are the basic laws of nature so simple? (Consider the elegent simplicity of the equation: E=mc².)

Local Design Arguments

A Local Design Argument focuses on a more specific feature of the universe and argues that this feature should be explained by the hypothesis that it is the product of intelligent design. For example, the complex, goal-directed beings found on Earth. (Consider the intricate physical design of the human eye or ear.)