Ontological argument

Definition

The ontological argument is a philosophical reasoning that aims to prove the existence of God through the very concept of God as the greatest conceivable being. It asserts that if God exists in the mind as a perfect being, then God must also exist in reality, because existing in reality is a greater perfection than existing only in the mind. This argument is closely linked to the realms of Scholastic theology and philosophy, highlighting the relationship between faith and reason.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ontological argument was first articulated by Anselm of Canterbury in his work 'Proslogion' and has been debated by many philosophers since then.
2. René Descartes later revived the argument in the 17th century, adding his own nuances by suggesting that existence is a necessary attribute of a supremely perfect being.
3. Critics like Immanuel Kant argued against the ontological argument by stating that existence is not a predicate or quality that can be attributed to beings.
4. The ontological argument heavily relies on abstract reasoning and definition, making it distinct from empirical arguments for God's existence.
5. Modern philosophers continue to engage with the ontological argument, either defending it or presenting new versions and critiques, illustrating its lasting impact on philosophical discourse.

Review Questions

• How does Anselm's formulation of the ontological argument connect to the concept of God as the greatest conceivable being?
  • Anselm's formulation asserts that God, defined as the greatest conceivable being, must exist in reality because if He existed solely in the mind, a greater being could be conceived—one that exists both in the mind and in reality. This reasoning establishes a direct connection between God's nature and His existence, making it essential for understanding how Anselm's thought influences Scholastic theology.
• Analyze how Descartes’ interpretation of the ontological argument differs from Anselm’s original version.
  • Descartes expanded upon Anselm's original argument by emphasizing that existence is a necessary attribute of a supremely perfect being. While Anselm focused primarily on the definition of God, Descartes argued that denying God's existence would contradict His nature as perfection itself. This distinction highlights how different philosophers have approached this argument while maintaining its foundational claim about God's nature.
• Evaluate the criticisms of Kant regarding the ontological argument and their implications for philosophical discussions about God's existence.
  • Kant criticized the ontological argument by claiming that existence is not a property or predicate that adds value to a being's essence. He argued that simply defining God as existing does not prove His existence outside our thoughts. This challenge raises significant implications for philosophical discourse, as it prompts further examination of how we understand existence and its relevance to metaphysical claims, pushing scholars to explore alternative ways to justify belief in God.

Related terms

Anselm of Canterbury:

A theologian and philosopher credited with formulating the first version of the ontological argument in the 11th century, emphasizing that God's existence is self-evident based on His definition as the greatest being.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that focuses on individual existence, freedom, and choice, often contrasting with traditional metaphysical arguments like the ontological argument.

Metaphysics: A branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality and existence, providing a backdrop for arguments about God and being, including the ontological argument.