Ontological Arguement

Question 1

Who founded it?

Answer 1

Anselm

Question 2

What type of argument is it?

Answer 2

A priori
Deductive

Question 3

Original Argument (3)

Answer 3

1) God is the greatest conceivable being
2) It is greater to exist in understanding and reality than understanding alone
3) Therefore, greatest possible being, God, must exist in understanding and reality

Question 4

Gaunilo’s Critisism (1)

Answer 4

Argued we could use it to define anything into being e.g island

Question 5

Second Ontological Argument (4)

Answer 5

1) To be perfect, an island would have to be ‘that island which no greater can be conceived’
2) An island of which no greater can be conceived would have to exist necessarily since a contingent island would be less effect than a necessarily existing island
3) But islands are contingent so can’t exist necessarily
4) Therefore logic of argument related to perfect island doesn’t apply to God

Question 6

The Further Argument (3)

Answer 6

1) God is the greatest conceivable being
2) the greatest conceivable being can’t be conceived to not exist
3) Therefore, God, and God alone, possesses necessary existence: God can’t not exist

Question 7

Kant’s Criticisms (2)

Answer 7

1) Existence is not a predicate- existence doesn’t add anything new to subject e.g. Thaler coin
2) Existing necessarily = God but it doesn’t mean God exists in reality e.g. unicorn

Question 8

Value of Anselm’s argument for proof: FOR (3)

Answer 8

A priori, analytic, deductive= does prove God’s existence
Proof that it is faith based acceptance
Anselm never intended it to be used as a proof- simple assurance to monks that faith was reasonable

Question 9

Value of Anselm’s argument for proof: AGAINST (3)

Answer 9

Agree it shows if God exists, He exists necessarily
More a confirmation of a belief someone already has
Response to Guanilo shows is attempt to prove God’s existence

Question 10

Value of of Anselm’s Argument for Religious Faith: FOR (3)

Answer 10

Works for those already theists
Shows belief is rational
Reasoned ‘belief that’ God exists supports ‘belief in’ God

Question 11

Value of of Anselm’s Argument for Religious Faith: AGAINST (3)

Answer 11

If it fails as a proof, value to religious faith is limited
Fideists reject use of rational arguments to prove God exists- think it devalues faith
Barth rejected attempts to prove God’s existence through reason

Question 12

Strengths of Ontological Argument (3)

Answer 12

Deductive
Independence from human observation
Definition of God being limitless makes sense

Question 13

Weaknesses of Ontological Argument (3)

Answer 13

Kant’s challenges
Not empirically based
Challenges of definition of God