Ontological Argument

Ontological Argument

1. Anselm's

   • The man himself:
     • Archbishop of Canterbury- therefore Theist
       • From a religious perspective
     • 1033-1109
   • Starting point
     • 1) Proposed def. of GOD
       • (quote) 'God is the thought than which nothing greater can be thought
     • 2) Absurd to suggest God does not exist
       • Even fool of Psalm 14 must see
         • Was a non-believer
         • Even suggestion GOD does not exist requires concept of God
           • Painter:
             • Has idea of painting for it is painted
               • Once painted it exists in his thoughts + reality
   • Gaunilo's objection
     • Would it arg also prove anything 'perfect' exists?
       • 'the most perfect island'
         • As it is 'the most perfect' it must exist
           • If it didn't exist, even the most horrible island in existing would be better
   • Anslem's response
     • He wasn't arguing about contingent things (like islands) which are rooted in time and space
       • He was talking about GOD
         • quote: (Proslogion) the greatest thing that can be thought