The Ontological Argument Flashcards
What kind of argument is the Ontological Argument?
It’s deductive and a priori.
What does the Ontological Argument argument believe about God’s existence?
That it is a necessary truth, not a contingent one.
What example does Anselm give in Proslogium 2?
A painter has an idea in his mind of what he wants to paint; but when he has painted it, that idea now exists in both his mind and in reality.
Does Anselm believe it is greater to exist in both reality and the mind, only the mind, or only in reality.
It is greater to exist both in the mind and in reality.
How does Anselm’s original argument begin?
God is a being than which nothing greater can be conceived.
What is Anselm’s original conclusion?
In order to be the greatest conceivable being, God must exist both in the mind and in reality.
What is Gaunilo’s criticism called?
On Behalf of the Fool.
What method of argument did Gaunilo use with his example of the island?
Reductio ad absurdum.
