Ontological Argument

Anselm:

Quotes Psalm 14:1 ("That than which nothing greater can be thought")

Real existence (in both reality & the mind) will always be better than only existing in the mind

If something only exists in the mind, it is immediately inferior to anything that exists in reality

As even the 'fool' (atheist) can conceive the idea of God, God must already exist in the mind

As even the 'fool' can picture God as the greatest being, he must exist both in reality and in the mind

It would be absurd to suggest that the greatest thing imaginable did not exist in reality, because then it would not be the greatest thing

Hick: "His non-existence is rendered impossible"

If we can hold to concept of God in our minds, he must exist in reality

Anselm responded to Gaunilo's Island with his second…