Anselm's Ontological Argument

Definition

Anselm's Ontological Argument is a philosophical argument for the existence of God that asserts that God, being defined as the greatest conceivable being, must exist in reality because existence is a necessary attribute of greatness. The argument emphasizes that if God exists only in the mind and not in reality, then a greater being could be conceived—one that exists in reality. This logical structure illustrates the relationship between being and existence, placing it firmly within the study of ontology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anselm's Ontological Argument is primarily found in his work 'Proslogion,' written in 1077-1078.
2. The argument is structured in a syllogistic form, claiming that if we can conceive of the greatest possible being, then that being must exist.
3. Critics like Immanuel Kant argue that existence is not a predicate, challenging Anselm's assertion that existence adds to the concept of a being.
4. The argument has inspired various interpretations and modifications by later philosophers, including Descartes and Leibniz.
5. Anselm distinguishes between 'existing in the understanding' and 'existing in reality,' stressing that true greatness requires real existence.

Review Questions

• How does Anselm's Ontological Argument connect the concept of God with the principles of ontology?
  • Anselm's Ontological Argument directly links the concept of God to ontology by asserting that God, as the greatest conceivable being, must exist in reality rather than merely in thought. This connection highlights the importance of existence as an essential attribute of perfection. In ontology, understanding what it means for something to exist is critical; Anselm argues that true greatness entails existing beyond mere conceptualization.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Anselm's Ontological Argument in light of contemporary philosophical discussions.
  • The strengths of Anselm's Ontological Argument lie in its logical clarity and its appeal to reason in proving God's existence. However, weaknesses arise from criticisms like Kant's, which argue that existence cannot be treated as a property or predicate. Contemporary discussions also engage with alternative perspectives on existence and necessity, revealing deeper complexities in defining both God and existence itself.
• Critically analyze how Anselm’s argument has influenced modern philosophical thought regarding the concept of God and existence.
  • Anselm’s Ontological Argument has profoundly influenced modern philosophy by shaping discussions on metaphysics, particularly concerning the nature of existence and necessity. Philosophers such as Descartes expanded upon Anselm’s ideas, emphasizing rationalism in theology. The ongoing debates surrounding the argument reflect broader themes about belief, knowledge, and reality, prompting philosophers to reevaluate how we understand both divine attributes and existential claims.

Related terms

Ontology:

The branch of philosophy that studies the nature of being, existence, and reality.

Existentialism:

A philosophical movement that focuses on individual existence, freedom, and choice, often questioning the meaning and purpose of life.

Necessary Being: A being whose existence is not contingent on anything else; it must exist and cannot not exist.