Challenges from Gaunilo Flashcards
What was gaunilo’s objection?
Claimed that Anselm’s argument was ‘reductio ad absurdum’ (reduce to absurdity). His argument could be flawed if one went through the argument again and replaced God with an island
What was Gaunilo’s analogy?
Imagined a lost island which was so perfect. This island in our minds might be inferior to the same island existing in reality. However Gaunio said we can’t bring something into existence just by defining it
What is one of Gaunilos quotations from ‘the overload objection’ to suggest Anselm’s foolishness?
“I do not know whom I would regard as the greater fool, me for accepting it or him for supposing that he had proved the existence of this island”
What was Anselm’s reply to Gaunilo?
Gaunilo was right however an island didn’t work when applied to God because an island is contingent, wheres Gods is necessary.
What was the conclusion of Gaunilos argument?
For the island to be the greatest concievale island It would have to exist however it is a lost island
