Anselm

Question 1

Who is credited with formulating the original Ontological Argument?

Answer 1

St. Anselm

Question 2

State the first premise of Anselm’s Ontological Argument.

Answer 2

God is the greatest conceivable being (by definition).

Question 3

What does Anselm argue is greater than existing only in the mind?

Answer 3

Existing in reality is greater than existing only in the mind.

Question 4

How does Anselm use the illustration of a painter?

Answer 4

Anselm uses it to show that ideas can exist in the mind before they exist in reality.

Question 5

Which Psalm does Anselm reference to support his argument?

Answer 5

Psalm 14:1 - “The fool says in his heart, ‘there is no God’.”

Question 6

What analogy does Anselm use to explain our understanding of God?

Answer 6

Anselm compares our understanding of God to seeing daylight but not being able to fully look at the sun.

Question 7

What is the “lost island” argument by Gaunilo?

Answer 7

Gaunilo argues that if Anselm’s logic is applied to a perfect island, it would imply the island must exist, which is absurd.

Question 8

How does Anselm respond to Gaunilo’s “lost island” objection?

Answer 8

Anselm argues that an island is contingent and dependent, unlike the greatest conceivable being, which is necessary.