Ontological Argument

Question 1

A priori Argument

Answer 1

Not based on experience or external evidence

Question 2

Deductive reasoning

Answer 2

To reach a logically CERTAIN conclusion

Question 3

Aseity

Answer 3

Something existing in and of itself

Question 4

Anselm’s argument

Answer 4

Set out to show how absurd it would be not to believe in God

Question 5

Analysis of Anselm’s argument

Answer 5

• If nothing is perfect how do we know what perfection is?

* Subjective interpretations of perfection

Question 6

Guanilo - the perfect Island

Criticism of Anslem

Answer 6

• Thinking of an island which no other can be conceived
• The island possesses all perfections, therefore it must exist
- Only being applied to God, the necessary being

Question 7

Descartes Ontological Argument

Answer 7

• God is perfect and this includes his existence which is perfection in itself
• Existence is a predicate if a perfect thing
Therefore God must exist
- Humans are imperfect so we can not conceive of him

Question 8

Bertrand Russell

Answer 8

• Existence can not be a predicate

* Existence is not a property of things,it is more a numerical concept

Question 9

Predicate

Answer 9

Attributes such as:

• shape
• colour
• size
• weight
• intelligence

Question 10

Alvin Plantinga

Answer 10

Developed new description of aseity - “maximum greatness”

If God is necessary, he is necessary in all worlds