Deductive Arguments

Question 1

Ontological Argument

Answer 1

Ontos = concerned with the nature of being

Aim - to prove that God exists

A priori and cumulative

Question 2

Anselm

Answer 2

P1: God is “that than which nothing greater can be conceived”
P2: It is greater to exist in reality than in the mind
Conclusion: God must exist.

Question 3

Descartes

Answer 3

P1: God is a supremely perfect being
P2: a supremely perfect being possesses all perfections
P3: existence is a perfection
Conclusion: God exists

Question 4

Norman Malcom

Answer 4

‘Existence is a perfection’ is FALSE. It is only a perfection if it is necessary. God’s existence is either necessary or impossible.

Question 5

Criticisms

Answer 5

Gaunilo- reduction and absurdism
Lost island

Kant - existence is a predicate
Example of 100 gold coins

Gottfried Leibniz - Descartes’ Argument would only be valid if the idea of a supremely perfect being was coherent. Perfections are not analysable.