Essay Anselms Ontological Argument - 1281 Words

In Chapter 2 of Anselms Proslogian, Anselm offers what was later to be characterized as his Ontological Argument, which is an argument for Gods existence he felt was so strong that even a fool as is said in Psalms 14:1- who has said in his heart, There is no God. Anselms argument is as follows : 1. God is that which nothing greater can be conceived. 2. If someone understands a thing, than that thing exists in someones understanding. 3. If someone understands that which nothing greater can be conceived, then that which nothing greater can be conceived exists in someones understanding. (from 1 and 2) 4. Someone understands that which nothing greater can be conceived. 5. Therefore, that which nothing greater can be†¦show more content†¦Anselm believed in a perfect being theology, and support for premise one resides within Anselms Principle of Gods Necessary Perfection (Marenbon 121). A being that which nothing greater can be conceived is by definition the greatest being, or most perfect being, possible. He uses the idea that that which nothing greater can be conceived exists in someones mind as a starting point, and seeks to build upon this foundation to show that God necessarily exists in reality as well. If it could not be conceived in ones understanding, then as far as this argument is concerned, it couldnt be shown to exist in reality as well. Another part of Anselms argument is the idea that it is greater to exist in reality as well as mind, rather than simply mind. This speaks specifically to premise 7 of his argument. While in a quantitative sense this is necessarily true (existing in 2 ways rather than only 1, and 2 being g reater than 1), it is certainly questionable whether the opponent of this argument would see it as being objectively better. An opponent of premise 7 might say that an idea can remain perfect, like the chocolate cake you dream about eating. Prior to eating it, you perceive it to be perfect, your mouth begins to water, and your conception of that cake you are going to eat exists in your mind in some way. Then, once you eat the cake, its dry, stale, and the frostingShow MoreRelatedEssay on Anselm’s Ontological Argument1217 Words   |  5 PagesThe ontological argument for God’s existence is a work of art resulting from philosophical argumentation. An ontological argument for the existence of God is one that attempts the method of a priori proof, which utilizes intuition and reason alone. The term a priori refers to deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning is the type of reasoning that proceeds from general principles or premises to derive particular information. The argument works by examining the concept of God, and arguing that it impliesRead MoreAnalysis of Anselms Ontological Argument and the Argument from Evil1448 Words   |  6 Pages2011 Analysis to Anselm’s Ontological Argument and the Argument from Evil The debate of the existence of God had been active since before the first philosopher has pondered the question. Anselm’s Ontological Argument was introduced during the 11th century and had stood deductively valid until the 18th century. Then there are the arguments to aim disprove God, such as the Argument from Evil. The Ontological argument is an a priori deductive argument. That is, an argument relating to beingRead MoreEssay on The Ontological Argument for the Existence of God1545 Words   |  7 PagesThe Ontological Argument for the Existence of God The ontological argument is an a priori argument. The arguments attempt to prove Gods existence from the meaning of the word God. 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There are a few problems with the argument that I will be discussing in detail in an attempt to illustrate exactly why ‘The Ontological Argument’ is unsatisfactory. The Definition of ‘Greater’ St. Anselm of Canterbury defined God as â€Å"that-than-which-a-greater-cannot-be-thought† (Bailey, 2002). The problem with this definition is that the term ‘greater’ is surely up forRead MoreDale Barlet. Philosophy 100. Professor Mcandrews. 3/28/17.1253 Words   |  6 PagesDale Barlet Philosophy 100 Professor McAndrews 3/28/17 In Proslogion, Anselm argues God’s existence using what has come to be known as the ontological argument. Using the ontological argument, Anselm disproves â€Å"the fools† belief that there is no God. However, Anselm does not give enough backing to his arguments. This is particularly true in the fourth point, that it is conceivable that God exists in reality. Although I agree with Anselm, he gives no evidence to support why it is conceivable thatRead MoreValidity And Effectiveness Of Anselm s Ontological Argument On The Existence Of God1095 Words   |  5 PagesAnselm s Ontological Argument on the existence of God. I will begin by presenting Anselm’s Ontological Argument from the ground up. This includes the argument, basic idea, initial assumptions, Anselm’s definition of god, and Anselm s distinctions which are needed to completely understand the nature of my argument. Furthermore, I will present concepts of logic and define what makes an argument vali d, and circular argument because they are necessary for understanding the validity of this argument. FollowingRead MoreBeyond a Reasonable Doubt Essay1239 Words   |  5 PagesAs surely as the possibility of God’s existence is self-evident to mankind, so it seems is the possibility of His non-existence. While virtually every culture throughout history has believed in at least one deity, the arguments for and against the existence of Christianity’s God have raged on for centuries. In his Institutes, John Calvin argued that God planted the knowledge of His existence in the heart of every man, saying: That there exists in the human mind, and indeed by natural instinct, someRead MoreThe Medieval Sourcebook For Anselm s 1033-1009 Proslogium1175 Words   |  5 Pages In the Medieval Sourcebook for Anselm’s 1033-1009 Proslogium, Aselm constructs an argument in which it is a deductive ontological argument. Aselm attempts to prove the existence of God through one single argument which is that God does truly exist. However, there will always be dilemmas, conflicts or predicaments when it comes to such sensitive and personal topics such as the existence of God. Atheists are types of people who do not believe in the existence of God and have been continuously denying