Perfection

Definition

Perfection refers to a state of completeness or flawlessness, often associated with the highest ideal of goodness, beauty, or quality. In philosophical discussions, particularly in the context of arguments for the existence of God, perfection is seen as a key attribute that characterizes the divine being, suggesting that God embodies the ultimate standard of excellence and lacks any deficiencies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the ontological argument, perfection is central to the definition of God, as it posits that God is a being than which no greater can be conceived, which inherently includes perfection.
2. Anselm of Canterbury is a key figure in the formulation of the ontological argument, asserting that if we can conceive of a perfect being, then that being must exist in reality, because existing in reality is more perfect than existing only in the mind.
3. Critics of the ontological argument, like Immanuel Kant, argue that existence is not a predicate or a quality that adds to the perfection of a being; thus, the argument's conclusions about God's existence are challenged.
4. The concept of perfection is often debated in relation to whether it can truly be attributed to any created beings or objects, as everything in the material world tends to have flaws and limitations.
5. The notion of perfection may lead to discussions about idealism versus realism in philosophy, where idealism posits that perfection can be conceptualized while realism accepts imperfection as part of existence.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of perfection support the ontological argument for God's existence?
  • The concept of perfection underpins the ontological argument by asserting that God is defined as a being than which no greater can be conceived. If we can imagine a perfect being, this definition implies that such a being must exist not only in our minds but also in reality. The reasoning follows that existence is a perfection; therefore, for God to truly be perfect, He must exist. This connection establishes a critical foundation for Anselm's argument for God's existence.
• What are some criticisms related to the use of perfection in the ontological argument?
  • Critics like Immanuel Kant challenge the use of perfection in the ontological argument by questioning whether existence can be considered a predicate or quality that enhances a being's perfection. Kant argues that just because we can conceive of a perfect being does not mean that such a being exists in reality. This critique highlights significant philosophical tensions surrounding how we define and understand concepts like perfection and existence.
• Evaluate how different philosophical perspectives interpret the notion of perfection and its implications for understanding divinity.
  • Different philosophical perspectives offer varied interpretations of perfection and its implications for understanding divinity. Idealists might argue that perfection represents an ultimate standard toward which all beings aspire, suggesting that divinity embodies this ideal. In contrast, realists contend that all beings are inherently imperfect and flawed, complicating the notion of attributing absolute perfection to God. This divergence leads to deeper discussions about the nature of God and existence itself, raising essential questions about whether divine perfection can coexist with a world characterized by imperfection.

Related terms

Supreme Being: A term used to describe an entity that possesses all perfections and is the ultimate source of existence and goodness.

Existence: The state of being real or having an actual presence; in ontological arguments, existence is often argued to be a perfection that must belong to the greatest conceivable being.

Necessary Being: A being whose non-existence is impossible; in many philosophical arguments, this being is identified with God, who is considered perfect and self-sufficient.