Rene Descartes

When did Descartes reformulate the ontological argument?

The 17th century

What did Descartes suggest about God?

He is a supremely perfect being and his existence is a predicate of a perfect God

What is meant by predicate?

A defining property

What does Descartes example of a triangle having 3 sides and interior angles adding to 180 mean?

It doesn’t mean the triangle exists in external reality but the set criteria is understood by everyone, just like the concept of God

What does Descartes say it is equally impossible to think about god without considering?

Attributes of existence as a necessary part of the definition of what God is

According to Descartes what does the concept of God contain?

The idea of existence as necessary perfection he possesses

How does Descartes use the analogy of a mountain having a corresponding valley to link with God?

It reinforces the idea that it is impossible to divorce the ideas of God and the idea of existence

What is Descartes first premise?

God is a supremely perfect being (omnipotent, omniscient - has all perfections)

What is Descartes second premise?

Existence is a perfection and God without existence is like a triangle without 3 sides

What is Descartes conclusion?

God has existence as a perfection which means he exists