Handout 13- Ontological Arguments

Question 0

In reality

Answer 0

X exists in reality=df. x actually, really, in fact exists.

Question 1

God

Answer 1

X is God =df. is the being than which none greater can be conceived.

Question 2

In the intellect

Answer 2

X exists in the intellect =df? someone thinks about, conceives, or imagines x.

Question 3

Anselm’s Ontological Axiom

Answer 3

If x and y are alike in all respects except that x exists in reality, and y exists only in the intellect, than x is greater than y.

Question 4

An interpretation of Anselm’s Argument

Answer 4

1) if God exists only in the intellect, then we can conceive of a being greater than God.
2) we cannot conceive of a being greater than God.
3) Therefore, it’s not the case that God exists only in the intellect.
4) either God exists in reality or God exists only in the intellect.
5) therefore, God exists in reality.

Question 5

Descartes’ Ontological Argument

Answer 5

1) God has all perfections
2) Necessary existence is a perfection
3) therefore, (1) & (2)
4) if (1) & (2), then God has necessary existence
5) if God has necessary existence, then God exists
6) therefore God exists

Question 6

Gaunilo’s Parody

Answer 6

1) if Lost Isle exists only in the intellect, then we can conceive of an island greater than Lost Isle
2) we cannot conceive of an island greater than Lost Isle
3) therefore, it’s not the case that Lost Isle exists only in the intellect.
4) either Lost Isle exists in reality, or it exists only in the intellect
5) therefore, Lost Isle exists in reality

Question 7

Lost isle (for Gaunilo’s Parody)

Answer 7

X is Lost Isle =df. x is the island than which none greater can be conceived