the ontological argument(anselm and plantiga) for God's existence

Question 1

what type of argument is the ontological argument?

Answer 1

the ontological argument is a deductive argument (which moves from a general conclusion to something specific)

Question 2

what are a priori arguments in philosophy?

Answer 2

• one big logical leap
• makes the conclusion certain
• argument either completely succeeds or entirely fails

Question 3

what are a posteriori arguments in philosophy?

Answer 3

• larger number of steps that build steadily towards a conclusion
• makes conclusion to some extent more likely
• argument can partially be successful

Question 4

what is Anselm’s ontological argument?

Answer 4

premise 1: God is by definition, the greatest conceivable being

premise 2: it is greater to exist in reality than not to exist in reality

conclusion: therefore, as the greatest conceivable being, God must exist

Question 5

what is Plantiga’s ontological argument?

Answer 5

premise 1: God is conceived as a maximally great being

premise 2: it is conceivable that a maximally great being exists in some possible world

premise 3: to be a maximally great being, a being must exist in all possible worlds (since if not there would be something greater)

conclusion: therefore, God exists in all possible worlds

Question 6

what is Anselm’s ontological argument:form 2?

Answer 6

premise 1: God (is by definition) the greatest conceivable being

premise 2: necessary beings are greater than non-necessary being

conclusion 1: therefore, by definition, God must be a necessary being

conclusion: therefore, God must exist

Question 7

what is a criticism of Anselm’s ontological argument?

Answer 7

GUANILLO:
- “REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM” (the argument leads to an absurd conclusion)= analogy of the island
- ANALOGY OF GOSSIP

Question 8

how does anselm overcome gaunillo’s weaknesses?

Answer 8

CONTINGENT VS NECESSARY BEINGS