The Ontological Argument By Anselm - 1524 Words

I will begin my paper by discussing the two major versions of the ontological argument by Anselm presented in the proslogion. The first being â€Å"Possible and actual existence†, and the second being â€Å"Contingent or Necessary†. One should start off with the first summarized in the standard form as follows: #1 It is a conceptual truth that God is a being than which none greater can be imagined. #2 God exists as an idea in the mind. #3 A being that exists as an idea in the mind and in reality is, other things being equal, greater than a being that exists only as an idea in the mind. #4 Thus, if God exists only as an idea in the mind, then we can imagine something that is greater than God. #5 But we cannot imagine something that is greater than†¦show more content†¦[Ia] Unfortunately to properly render a complete discussion of the ontological argument One must begin by defining a few keywords. Definitions for P2 are as follows. first, conceptual truth: someth ing that can be understood or perceived by the use of reason or imagination. Second, a being: one’s basic nature, or the qualities thereof; essence or personality[3]. Third, greater: of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above the normal or average [4]. Forth, imagined: form a mental image or concept of [4]. Fifth, Idea: a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action [4]. Sixth, mind: the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought [4]. Definitions for P3 are as follows. Seventh, actual: existing in fact; typically as contrasted with what was intended, expected, or believed [4]. Eighth, existence: the fact or state of living or having objective reality. Ninth, contingent: occurring or existing only if certain other circumstances are the case; dependent on [4]. Tenth, necessary: present; needed; essential [4]. Due to the nature of definitions, I will not give an argument for the lack of implied meanings. [IIa] For P2 axioms #1 and #3 appears that using a loose form of relativism the argument holds. For axiom #2 its entirety is an assumption that is to be disproved. Axioms #4-6 are logical deductions from Axioms #1 through #3. For P3Show MoreRelatedAnselm s Argument On The Ontological Argument1614 Words   |  7 PagesPrologion, Anselm argues that God exists, otherwise known as the ontological argument. Anselm believes that â€Å"there is no doubt that something than which a greater cannot be thought exists both in the understanding and in reality (Anselm, Proslogion, 7).† In other words, we cannot imagine something that is able to be greater than God; it would be a contradiction to think being greater than the greatest possible being that can be thought of. 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The ontological argument was introduced by Anselm of Canterbury in his book Proslogion. Anselms classical argument was based on two principals and the two most involved in this is St Anselm of Canterbury as previously mentioned and Rene Descartes. The ontological argument argues thatRead MoreDale Barlet. Philosophy 100. Professor Mcandrews. 3/28/17.1253 Words   |  6 Pages3/28/17 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 that God truly exists in reality. Anselm immediately goes