Anselm's Ontological Argument

Definition

Anselm's Ontological Argument is a philosophical argument that attempts to prove the existence of God through the concept of God itself. It suggests that if we can conceive of a greatest being—one which nothing greater can be imagined—then that being must exist in reality, because existing in reality is greater than existing merely in the understanding. This argument highlights the relationship between understanding, existence, and the nature of perfection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anselm's argument is found in his work 'Proslogion,' written in 1078, where he articulates his famous definition of God as 'that than which nothing greater can be conceived.'
2. The argument relies on the premise that if God exists only in the mind, then a greater being could be conceived to exist in reality, thus contradicting God's definition as the greatest conceivable being.
3. Anselm's argument distinguishes between two types of existence: existence in the understanding (conceptual) and existence in reality (actual), claiming that real existence is superior.
4. The ontological argument has sparked significant philosophical debate and has been both supported and critiqued by various philosophers throughout history.
5. Despite its controversies, Anselm's Ontological Argument remains a foundational piece in discussions about metaphysics and theology, influencing later thinkers like Descartes and Leibniz.

Review Questions

• How does Anselm's Ontological Argument establish the necessity of God's existence based on the concept of perfection?
  • Anselm's Ontological Argument establishes God's existence by asserting that if we can conceive of a perfect being, which he defines as 'that than which nothing greater can be conceived,' then this being must exist. The reasoning is that if this perfect being existed only in the mind, it would not be perfect, as a being that exists in reality is greater than one that exists only conceptually. Therefore, for God to truly be the greatest conceivable being, He must exist in reality.
• What are some key criticisms of Anselm's Ontological Argument, particularly from philosophers like Immanuel Kant?
  • One major criticism comes from Immanuel Kant, who argued that existence is not a property or predicate that can enhance the concept of a being. According to Kant, saying that God exists does not add to our understanding of what God is since existence does not function like other attributes. This challenges Anselm's conclusion by suggesting that we cannot derive existence from definition alone and that conceptualizing a perfect being does not necessitate its actual existence.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Anselm's Ontological Argument on the fields of metaphysics and theology within philosophical discourse.
  • Anselm's Ontological Argument has profound implications for metaphysics and theology as it fundamentally challenges how existence is understood in relation to perfection and divinity. It encourages rigorous debates about the nature of God and existence itself, prompting both supporters and critics to examine their beliefs about divine attributes. Additionally, this argument has influenced many subsequent philosophers who have either expanded upon or refuted Anselm’s ideas, shaping key discussions in philosophical inquiry about the nature of reality, necessity, and the divine.

Related terms

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, often questioning the nature of reality and existence.

Necessary Being: A being whose existence is not contingent on anything else; its non-existence is impossible, often used in discussions about the nature of God.

Immanuel Kant: An influential philosopher who critiqued the ontological argument by asserting that existence is not a predicate or quality that adds to the essence of a being.