Ontological Argument Flashcards
Theme 2A
What is the Ontological Argument for the existence of God?
It is a philosophical argument that uses logic and definitions to conclude God’s existence, rather than sensory evidence.
What is deductive reasoning?
Using logic or analytical knowledge to accept a conclusion if a premise is true.
What does a priori mean?
Independent of experience.
What is an analytic argument?
An argument based on definitions, such as ‘All triangles have 3 sides’.
Who is St. Anselm of Canterbury?
A key thinker who developed the Ontological Argument and contributed to Christian doctrine.
What does the term ‘Ontos’ refer to?
‘Being’ in philosophy.
What is the significance of Psalms 14:1 in the Ontological Argument?
‘The fool has said in his heart, there is no God’ suggests that understanding the concept of God implies knowledge of His existence.
What is the first argument presented in Proslogion II?
If God exists in mind alone, then a greater being could exist in both mind and reality.
What is the Painter Analogy?
A painter knows what he will paint beforehand; the idea exists in understanding before becoming a reality.
What does Proslogion III argue?
God is a necessary being who cannot come into or go out of existence.
What are some strengths of Anselm’s Ontological Argument?
It is valid, appeals to Christians, is simple, reinforces scripture, and uses deductive reasoning.
What are some criticisms of Anselm’s Ontological Argument?
It is based on personal experience, the definitions may be illogical, and the leap from reasoning to existence is problematic.
