Descartes' Ontological Argument

Definition

Descartes' Ontological Argument is a philosophical reasoning that asserts the existence of God based on the concept of God as a supremely perfect being. The argument posits that existence is a necessary attribute of perfection, thus if we can conceive of God as the greatest possible being, He must exist in reality since a God who exists is more perfect than one who does not. This highlights the interplay between understanding and existence in Descartes' thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Descartes argues that because we have an idea of a perfect being, and since existence is a perfection, God must exist.
2. This argument is presented in Descartes' work 'Meditations on First Philosophy', specifically in the Fifth Meditation.
3. The ontological argument relies heavily on definitions and concepts rather than empirical evidence or observation.
4. Critics like Immanuel Kant argue against this reasoning by stating that existence is not a predicate or quality that can enhance the concept of a being.
5. Descartes' ontological argument has influenced many subsequent philosophers, leading to both support and opposition in various philosophical discussions.

Review Questions

• How does Descartes’ Ontological Argument connect the idea of God with the necessity of existence?
  • Descartes’ Ontological Argument connects God's idea with necessity by claiming that if we can conceive of God as a supremely perfect being, then existence must be an inherent attribute of that perfection. Essentially, to exist is to possess one of the greatest perfections, so if God did not exist, He would lack a quality that defines His nature. Thus, the very definition of God necessitates His existence in reality.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Descartes’ Ontological Argument in light of criticisms presented by philosophers like Kant.
  • One strength of Descartes’ Ontological Argument is its reliance on pure reason and definitions to arrive at a conclusion about God's existence without empirical evidence. However, critics like Kant argue that existence cannot be treated as a predicate that adds to the essence of a being. They contend that just because we can define God as perfect doesn't logically entail that such a being must exist in reality. This critique highlights a significant weakness: the argument's dependence on how existence is conceptualized.
• Analyze how Descartes' Ontological Argument reflects broader themes in rationalism and its impact on future philosophical discourse about God's existence.
  • Descartes' Ontological Argument exemplifies key themes in rationalism by prioritizing reason over sensory experience for understanding existence. It establishes a framework where logical deduction forms the basis for belief in God's existence. This rationalist approach has had profound implications for future philosophical discourse, inspiring both affirmations and critiques of ontological arguments. Philosophers have either built upon or refuted Descartes’ ideas, leading to ongoing debates about the relationship between definition, perfection, and existence.

Related terms

Ontological Argument: A type of argument that tries to prove God's existence through abstract reasoning alone, rather than empirical evidence.

Existence as a Perfection: The notion in Descartes' argument that existence is part of what it means to be supremely perfect, thus a perfect being must exist.

Rationalism: A philosophical approach emphasizing reason as the primary source of knowledge, which underpins Descartes' method of deducing God's existence.