Ontological Flashcards
What is the ontological argument?
It is a philosophical argument for the existence of God based on the concept of being.
Who is primarily associated with the formulation of the ontological argument?
St. Anselm of Canterbury.
True or False: The ontological argument is an a priori argument.
True.
Fill in the blank: The ontological argument begins with the definition of God as the greatest ______.
possible being. ‘That than which nothing greater can be conceived’
What is the main premise of the ontological argument?
If God exists in the mind, He must also exist in reality because existence in reality is greater than existence in the mind alone.
Multiple choice: Which philosopher critiqued the ontological argument by stating that existence is not a predicate? A) Descartes B) Kant C) Hume D) Aquinas
B) Kant.
We must have synthetic not analytic going outside a concept to find external evidence to prove its existence
-Existence is not a real predicate - doesn’t add anything new to the description of a concept
The concept of something existing does not change the concept of the thing itself.
What is ‘reductio ad absurdum’ in the context of the ontological argument?
It is a method used to show that denying God’s existence leads to a contradiction.
True or False: The ontological argument can be classified as a deductive argument.
True.
What is Gaunilo’s response to Anselm’s argument?
He argued that one could define a perfect island and claim it exists, which is absurd. The perfect island cannot exist in both the mind
supported by PLANTINGA - possible worlds as a complete way things could be. in a possible world a being of maximal greatness (where God exists) so it can be possible in this world for God to exist
Fill in the blank: The ontological argument asserts that the concept of God inherently implies His ______.
existence.
What is the significance of Descartes in relation to the ontological argument?
He reformulated the argument, emphasizing the idea of God as a necessary being.
God is perfect by description he cannot lack anything
if we are able to accept that God is perfect we also have to acknowledge that he is independent of anything else-
Statement GOD EXISTS is an analytical statement that does not need us to look for evidence we should simply believe he exists
Multiple choice: Which argument states that existence is a property of perfection? A) Cosmological argument B) Moral argument C) Ontological argument D) Teleological argument
C) Ontological argument.
True or False: The ontological argument is based on empirical evidence.
False.
What does ‘necessary existence’ mean in the context of the ontological argument?
It refers to the idea that God cannot not exist; His existence is essential.
Fill in the blank: Anselm’s argument suggests that God exists in both the mind and ——–.
Reality
What role does the concept of perfection play in the ontological argument?
It is central, as the argument posits that God, being the greatest conceivable being, must possess all perfections, including existence.
Multiple choice: Which philosopher proposed a modified version of the ontological argument in the 20th century? A) Plantinga B) Hume C) Kant D) Aquinas
A) Plantinga.
True or False: The ontological argument is universally accepted by all philosophers.
False.
What is the main criticism of the ontological argument?
Critics argue that defining something does not necessarily prove its existence.
Fill in the blank: The ontological argument relies heavily on ______ reasoning.
conceptual.
What is the implication of the phrase ‘that than which nothing greater can be conceived’?
It defines God as the ultimate being whose existence is necessary.
True or False: The ontological argument is concerned with the physical evidence of God’s existence.
False.
What is the ‘perfect being theology’ in relation to the ontological argument?
It is the view that God must possess all perfections, including existence.
Multiple choice: Anselm’s ontological argument is primarily found in which of his works? A) Proslogion B) Summa Theologica C) Meditations D) Confessions
A) Proslogion.
Aquinas view on the ontological argument
Our knowledge and language cannot comprehend the greatness of God
If he is truly trancendant - no need to prove he simply is - GE MOORE
God exists or God does not exist - Gods greatness outweighs our ability to think of him - we do not need apriori knowledge to prove his existence
