ontological argument

Question 1

what type of argument is the ontological argument?

Answer 1

deductive, A priori

Question 2

what is proslogion 2

Answer 2

anslesms argument that god is the greatest being, attempts to prove by contradiction

Question 3

what are the premises which anslem puts forward in proslogion 2?

Answer 3

1. God is something than which nothing greater can be thought of
2. things exist either in MIND only or in MIND and REALITY
3. it is greater to exist in MIND and REALITY than in MIND only

Question 4

why is it greater to exist in mind and reality rather than the mind only?

Answer 4

if god only existed in the mind then something greater can be imagined, and since god is the greatest being, he must exist in both mind and reality

Question 5

what are the premises of proslogion 3?

Answer 5

1. god is something than which nothing greater can be thought of
2. things exist either CONTINGENTLY or NECESSARILY
3. it is greater to exist NECESSARILY than CONTINGENTLY

Question 6

why is it greater to be necessary rather than contingent?

Answer 6

if god was a contingent being, then a greater non contingent being could be imagined, which would be greater than god. to be the greatest god must be non contingent, and also a necessary being (uncaused)

Question 7

what is a necessary being?

Answer 7

one that is uncaused/uncreated being