Ontological argument Flashcards
What are Anselms two contributions to the ontological argument entitled
Proslogion 2 and 3
What is a deductive a priori argument.
Deductive-if the premises are true then the conclusion must be true. A priori-based off of theory or predictions rather than experience.
What was Anselms “theological framework” for the Proslogion
Faith seeking understanding.
What is TTWNGCBC
That then which no greater can be conceived.
How does Anselm attempt to prove the existence of God in proslogion 2
Imagine the greatest thing you can(God). Now imagine it can exist and it cannot exist. Which one is greater? The one that exists. ergo, God, the greatest being, muist exist, otherwise he is not the greatest being.
What differs between proslogion 2 and 3
In 3 Anslem attempts to prove God has a necessary existence.
How does proslogion 3 attempt to prove the existence of God.
Imagine a being that has to exist, physically being unable to not exist, and a being that can not exist(necessary vs contingent being). the on that is necessary is greater than the contingent one, so God, as TTWNGCBC is necessary.
Who was Anselms fool
the disbeliever.
What were Descartes advancements of the ontological argument
He believed we are bbron with innate ideas, derived from God. Born with ideas of good etc.
Emphasis proslogion 2 that existence is a necessary part of perfection (posessing every good quality) Existence is a predicate of God.
Triangles and Mountains-predicates of valleys and angles etc
What were Malcolm’s advancements of the Ontological argument
he accpeted Kants argument that existence is not a predicate but advanced proslogion 3, that Gods existence is necessary using modal reasoning to provide a deductive proof.
Malcolm stipulated that as Gods existence is not impossible, there must be the posibility that God can exist as a contingent being. however, everything is contingent on something else but God, as TTWNGCBC is not limited or contingent so must be necessary.
What was Gaunilos criticisms of the Ontological argument
Used it to prove the existence of a perfect island-flawed, reducvtio ad absurdum. Only works with God, no objective best island(one more palm tree) because of his necessary existence.
What were Kants cirticisms of the Ontological argument?
Existence is not a predicate. 100 thalers-whether real or not their value remains the same. No descriptive change with existence.
Descartes triangle, although a traingle needs 3 sides, you can reject the idea of the triangle entirely. Definition different to reality-unicorns have one horn but thhat doesnt mean they are real .
