Anselm's Ontological Argument

Overview

Recall questions on the a priori character of the argument, Anselm's definition of God, the two modes of existence and the reductio ad absurdum from which he concludes that God must exist in reality.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What type of argument is Anselm's ontological argument, and what does this mean about its basis?

   Model answer

   It is an a priori argument, meaning it is based on reason and thought alone rather than empirical observation or experience of the world.

2. 2

   How does Anselm define God in his ontological argument?

   Model answer

   God is defined as 'that than which nothing greater can be conceived' (aliquid quo nihil maius cogitari possit).

3. 3

   According to Anselm, why must even the fool who denies God have a concept of God in their understanding?

   Model answer

   Because the fool understands what is being denied; to deny something, one must first have a concept of it in the understanding.

4. 4

   What two modes of existence does Anselm distinguish between in his argument?

   Model answer

   Existing in the understanding alone (in intellectu) and existing in reality (in re).

5. 5

   According to Anselm, which is greater: existence in reality or existence in the understanding alone?

   Model answer

   Existence in reality is greater than existence in the understanding alone.

6. 6

   In Anselm's argument, why would a God existing only in the understanding be problematic?

   Model answer

   Because existence in reality is greater than existence in understanding alone.

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