Unit 2: Arguments relating to the existence of God. Ontological arguments. The argument from design. The cosmological argument.

The Ontological Argument

The Field of Ontology Explores what it means for something to exist. It is an a priori argument – works from first principles and definitions to demonstrate the existence of God. It works on the principle that God’s existence is different to human existence. Humans are contingent beings – dependent on other things for their existence. God has necessary existence – dependent on nothing for his existence.

Historical Context Scholars in support: Scholars in opposition: St Anselm (1033-1109) Descartes (1596-1650) Liebniz (1626-1716) Malcolm (1911-1990) Plantinga (1932-present) Scholars in opposition: Gaunilo (11th Century) Aquinas (1225-1274) Kant (1724-1804)

Anselm Argument started from a theistic stance. In his book the ‘Proslogion’ he suggests one way in which the existence of God could be ‘demonstrated’ to people. The argument is from a ‘faith seeking understanding’ rather than an attempt to convert the atheist. Anselm was responding to Psalms 14 and 53 which begin ‘The Fool says to himself ‘There is no God’’.

Psalm 14 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

Anselm’s first ontological argument ‘We believe that thou art that which we believe. And we believe that thou art a being which nothing greater can be conceived….And assuredly that than which nothing greater can be conceived, cannot exist in the understanding alone. For, suppose it exists in the understanding alone: then it can be conceived to exist in reality; which is greater….Hence there is no doubt that there exists a being, than which nothing greater can be conceived, and it exists both in understanding and in reality.’

The Ontological Argument

Ontological Argument Anselm’s ontological argument is set out as follows: 1. God is the greatest possible being (a being than which nothing greater can be conceived). 2. God exists at least in the mind or understanding. 3. A being who exists only in the mind is not as great as a being who exists in reality as well as the mind. 4. If God existed only in the mind, he would not be the greatest possible being. 5. Therefore God must exist in reality as well as in the mind.

The Argument Explained Anselm began with his definition of God, which says it is impossible for there to be a more perfect being. ‘God is a being than which nothing greater can be conceived’. Anselm.

The Argument Premise 1: God is a being than which nothing greater can be conceived. Premise 2: Something that really exists is bound to be greater than something that just exists in thought.

The argument continued…. Premise 3: If there really is no being greater than God , God cannot only exist as a concept (in the mind). Conclusion: Therefore God exists both in the mind and in reality. God + God

Key Quote ‘ Why then, did the fool say in his heart ‘God is not’ , since it is so obvious to the rational mind that you exist supremely above all things’. Anselm.

Reflections Ontological argument: A play on words? Or sound rational argument? Can you see any problems with the argument so far?

Task Explain Anselm’s first ontological argument.

Homework Read through your notes on the concept of God. I will email you a set of exam questions on that unit to complete in my absence on Thursday this week and continue for homework.