Modern Ontological Argument Flashcards
Theme 2B
What does Mackie argue about denying the existence of God?
To deny the existence of God is as absurd as saying ‘the existing x’ does not exist.
Who developed Anselm’s second form regarding God’s existence?
Norman Malcolm developed Anselm’s second form, arguing that God cannot be a contingent being.
What is the significance of an ‘unlimited being’ in Malcolm’s argument?
An ‘unlimited being’ cannot depend on other things, making the argument less personal and more unbiased.
How does Malcolm’s theory compare to Anselm’s?
Malcolm’s theory can be more appealing and is simpler due to changed terminology.
What must God be according to Malcolm?
God must be necessary and must exist; existence is not a perfection.
Why is God’s existence not impossible in Malcolm’s view?
Because the notion that makes it so can be considered contradictory.
What are the properties of God as a necessary being according to Charles Hartshorne?
Existence is a property, and a necessary being is greater than contingent beings.
What does Hartshorne argue about necessary existence?
If God has necessary existence, it is logically impossible for Him not to exist, therefore God exists.
What is a criticism of the Modal Ontological Argument (MOA)?
Both Malcolm and Hartshorne have not contributed new information, so this cannot be considered a development.
What is Descartes’ famous statement regarding existence?
Cogito ergo sum - ‘I (over)think, therefore I (over)am.’
What distinction did Descartes make in his argument?
He distinguished between essence and existence.
How did Descartes illustrate his argument using a triangle?
He used the triangle analogy to show that while a triangle must have three angles adding up to 180 degrees, this does not demand its existence.
What did Descartes argue about the existence of a supremely perfect being?
He argued that existence is an aspect of perfection, and therefore such a being exists.
