Essay on Anselm’s Ontological Argument - 1217 Words

The 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 implies the actual existence of God; that is, if we can conceive of God then God exists. However, this type of argument is often criticized as committing a bare assertion fallacy. The bare assertion fallacy is fallacy in formal logic where a premise†¦show more content†¦Anselm goes on to justify his assumption by using the analogy of a painter. In short, when a painter first conceives of what it is he wants to accomplish, he has it in his understanding but does not yet understan d it to exist. He doesn’t understand it to exist because he has yet to construct his painting. His point in general is that there is a difference between saying that something exists in my mind and saying that I believe that something exists. Anselm goes on to introduce another assumption that could be considered a new version of the argument. He tries to show that God cannot possibly exist in the understanding alone by contrasting existing in the understand with existing in reality. One of the earliest recorded objections to Anselms argument was raised by one of Anselms contemporaries, Gaunilo of Marmoutiers. One of the problems that he brings forth is that Anselm’s argument could be applied to things other than God. If the argument were valid, it could be applied to things that are clearly imaginary. Here is where the example of the lost island is introduced. Gaunilo invited his readers to think of the greatest, or most perfect, conceivable island. As a matter of fac t, it is likely that no such island actually exists. However, his argument would then say that we arent thinking of the greatest conceivable island, because the greatestShow MoreRelatedAnalysis 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 Anselms Ontological Argument1281 Words   |  6 PagesIn 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 greaterRead 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. The ontological argument was introduced by Anselm of Canterbury in his book Proslogion. 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The premise of Saint Anselm’s Ontological Argument is that, no greater being can be conceived than God. The Ontological Argument is an a priori or deductive argument. An a priori argument does not have to be supported by real or factual evidence just by reason without observation. Thus, the Ontological Argument is not reliant on an a posteriori premise. An a posteriori argumentRead MoreEssay about St. Anselm of Canterbury1110 Words   |  5 Pages In the following I intend to prove that the ontological argument is in and of itself, insufficient in proving that God exists. 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 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 denyingRead 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 d eity, 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, some