what are the two qualities of the argument and what do they mean?
the argument is a priori, meaning it is based on logical reasoning and not sensory experience. Its also deductive, meaning that if the premises are true then the conclusion must also be true
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why is the argument being a prior a strength of the argument?
it seeks to prove the existence of God from the understanding of the attributes of the God of classical theism
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list the 6 points of the argument as put forward by Anselm
1. God is a being from which nothing greater can be conceived
2. the idea of God exists in the mind
3. a being that exists both in the mind and in reality is far greater than a being that exists solely in the mind
4. if God exists in the mind then we can
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Anselm describes God as necessary - what does this mean?
if something is necessary, it cannot not exist and does not rely on anything else for its existence. God did not need anything to create him and he exists.
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Why did Anselm create the argument? Who was he responding to in Psalm 14:1?
Anselm responded to the 'fools' claim that 'there is no God', as written in Psalm 14:1
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What did Anselm say about the fool's argument that strengthened his own?
In talking about how God does not exist, the atheist also has a concept of God in his mind
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Anselm used the analogy of the painter to draw a distinction between what?
an object being in the understanding and an understanding that the object exists.
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Describe the analogy of the painter used by Anselm
The painter understands that he has an idea of what he is about to create, and understands that what is in his mind does not yet exist. Once he has created the painting, he has an understanding of the idea and an understanding that the idea now exists.
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What was Anselm saying in his analogy of the painter?
he was saying that there is a difference between saying something exists in one's understanding and saying that one understands (or believes) it exists
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Who did Gaunilo write his response to the argument on behalf of?
on behalf of the fool
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describe the analogy of the island
1. it is possible to conceive of the most perfect and real lost island
2. it is greater to exist both in the mind and in reality than in the mind alone
3. Therefore the most perfect and real lost island must exist in reality
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The argument from Gaunilo is one of ... and ...
absurdity and a reductio
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why did Gaunoli himself call the argument absurdum and a reductio?
because the argument is impossible and can be applied to anything in the mind
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Describe Anselm's response to Gaunilo
1. to be perfect, the island would have to be one from which 'nothing greater can be conceived'
2. an island matching up to this definition would have to exist necessarily because a contingent island would be less perfect than an island that existed neces
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in summary, why does the analogy of the island weaken the ontological argument?
it says the analogy would surely be applicable to any great object that, if existing in the mind, should also exist in reality
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
why is the argument being a prior a strength of the argument?
Back
it seeks to prove the existence of God from the understanding of the attributes of the God of classical theism
Card 3
Front
list the 6 points of the argument as put forward by Anselm
Back
Card 4
Front
Anselm describes God as necessary - what does this mean?
Back
Card 5
Front
Why did Anselm create the argument? Who was he responding to in Psalm 14:1?
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