theme 1 - introduction to deductive arguments

Question 1

what are deductive proofs based on?

Answer 1

• logic and reason (prior to evidence or experience)

Question 2

deductive arguments are analytic, what does this mean?

Answer 2

• they are premises that point to a conclusion which is logically inescapable

Question 3

what is Anselm’s definition of God (proslogion 1)

Answer 3

• ‘god is that of which nothing greater can be conceived’

Question 4

what is Anselm’s first form (proslogion 2)

Answer 4

• God as the greatest possible being
• Anselm distinguishes between something existing in the mind only and it existing in reality

Question 5

what sows Anselm argue about the most perfect being (proslogion 2)

Answer 5

• the most perfect being there is must exist in reality because if it merely existed in the mind then a greater being could possibly be conceived (eg one that existed in the mind and in reality as well)

Question 6

what analogy did Anselm use in proslogion 2?

Answer 6

• painting analogy
• before a painting exists in reality it needs to exist in the mind of a painter
• the painting in reality is better than the one only in the mind

Question 7

what is Anselm’s second form (proslogion 3)

Answer 7

• god has a necessary existence
• this is directed not only at gods existence, but his uniquely necessary existence

Question 8

what does Anselm argue about gods non existence being impossible? (proslogion 3)

Answer 8

• god is defined in such a way that it is impossible to conceive of his not existing (God cannot not exist)

Question 9

why does Anselm argue that God cannot not exist?

Answer 9

• god, as an infinitely perfect being, is not limited in or by time, therefore the possibilities of God having ever come to exist or ever ceasing to exist are excluded, and Gods non-existence is rendered impossible