The ontological argument: Anselm and Descartes

Overview

Anselm's definition of God, first form of Anselm's argument and second form of Anselm's argument.

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

   In which work did Anselm set out the ontological argument?

   Model answer

   Anselm set out the argument in the Proslogion, written in the eleventh century.

2. 2

   State Anselm's definition of God.

   Model answer

   Anselm defined God as that than which nothing greater can be conceived.

3. 3

   Outline the first form of Anselm's argument.

   Model answer

   Anselm argued that even the fool who denies God understands the definition, so God exists in the understanding; but a being existing in reality is greater than one existing in the understanding alone, so God must exist in reality.

4. 4

   Why does Anselm bring in the fool of Psalm 14?

   Model answer

   The fool who says in his heart there is no God must grasp the concept in order to deny it, which gives Anselm the premise that God exists at least in the understanding.

5. 5

   Outline the second form of Anselm's argument.

   Model answer

   Anselm argued that a being which cannot be conceived not to exist is greater than one which can, so that than which nothing greater can be conceived must exist necessarily.

6. 6

   Why is the second form regarded as the stronger?

   Model answer

   The second form claims necessary existence rather than mere existence, so it is not vulnerable to the objection that existence adds nothing to a concept.

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