ontological argument

• the ontological argument was derived by Anselm
• Anselm's argument is based on the claim that God's existence can be deduced from his definition. once God is correctly defined, there can be no doubt that he exists
• ontological argument outlined:

  • proposition: 'God exists' = a priori and deductive - only requires understanding, not sense experience
  • subject 'God' contains the predicate 'exists' so God must exist
  • God's existence is a necessary truth, not a contingent one
• 1. it is greater to exist in reality than only in the mind
  2. God is the greatest conceivable being
  3. therefore, the greatest conceivable being - God - must exist in reality

  "God is a being which nothing greater can be conceived"
• some strengths of the ontological argument:

  • deductive - doesn't depend on human observation, if it succeeds it is proof of God's existence
  • clear argument for those with faith
• some weaknesses of the ontological argument:

  • existence is not a predicate
  • 'existing necessarily' does not follow that God exists in reality
  • any attempt to define God would be to limit him - we do not know God's definition
• the ontological argument DOES offer proof of God:

  • it is an a priori, analytic + deductive argument, meaning that if its premises are true then it does prove the existence of God
  • some claim it is a proof in that it is a faith-based acceptance
• the ontological argument DOES NOT offer proof of God:

  • it is more a confirmation of a belief that someone already has
• the ontological argument IS valuable for religious faith:

  • the argument works for those who are already theists
  • it shows that their religious belief is rational
• the ontological argument IS NOT valuable for religious faith:

  • if it fails as proof, then its value to religious faith is limited
  • Fideists (who reject rational arguments) would feel this argument devalues their faith