2A Deductive Argument: Ontological (Anselm)

Deductive Argument

A type of argument that works on the principles of logical necessity, where each stage must be the only logical step available.

Premise

The foundational statement in a deductive argument that serves as the starting point for the logical reasoning.

Ontological Argument

An argument that works from a definition of God as its premise, aiming to prove God's existence through logical necessity.

TTWNGCBT

Abbreviation for 'that-than-which-none-greater-can-be-thought,' defining God as the greatest being imaginable in Anselm's argument.

Logical Necessity

The concept that something must be true or exist due to logical reasoning, as seen in Anselm's argument for God's existence.

Existence

The state of being present or real, crucial in Anselm's argument to establish God's existence as a logical necessity.

Contingent Existence

The idea that something exists but could have not existed, contrasting with the necessary existence argued by Anselm.

Unique Being

A being that is one of its kind, as described by Anselm in reference to God being the only being of its kind.

Highest Degree of Existence

Refers to God being the pinnacle of existence, according to Anselm's argument on TTWNGCBT.

Empirical Notions

Concerns related to knowledge gained through sensory experience, raising questions about the applicability of deductive arguments.

John Hick Quote

“The second main period in the history of the ontological argument begins with Rene Descartes”

Rene Descartes Quote

“…the idea of God…is one which I find within me just as surely as the idea of any shape or number”

“I cannot think of God except as existing, just as I cannot think of a mountain without a valley.”

Brian Davies Quote

“Malcom is thinking of something which does not depend for its existing on everything apart from itself”

Key Arguments

• Some see Malcolm’’s version of the ontological argument as stronger than Anselm’s Proslogion 2

• Still retain a ‘Hypothetical’ nature - John Hick says Malcolm’s ‘logical necessity,’ and ‘logical impossibility’ are hypothetical and dependent upon the premise ‘if’; however, this doesn’t mean God exists.

• Just as we can’t prove math existence, the ontological argument is not the proof of God’s existence but the establishment of the notion of God as a logical proposition

Key Questions

• Do Descartes and Malcolm overcome the issues associated with Anselm’s first argument and Descartes’ proposals?

• Do Descartes and Malcolm ensure that it has appeal beyond religious belief?