1D Deductive - Classical Ontological

Give an example of a valid deductive proof

1) All oceans contain water.
2) The Atlantic is an ocean.
Conc.) The Atlantic contains water.

Give an example of an invalid deductive proof and explain why it is not valid.

1) All birds can fly.
2) Penguins are birds.
Conc.) Penguins can fly.
• Whilst this is logically sound, the premise "All birds can fly" is factually inaccurate

What was the original title of Anselm's Proslogion and what does it mean?

'Fides Quaerens Intellectum' - 'Faith Seeking Understanding'

What does 'ontos' mean?

'being'

Give a brief introduction to St. Anselm.

- Benedictine monk
- Archbishop of Canterbury.
- His ontological argument was not to convert unbelievers but to demonstrate rationality behind his own faith.

How does Anselm open Proslogion 2?

With a reference to Psalm 14:1 - 'The fool says in his heart, "There is no God".'

P2. According to Anselm, what is God?

"that than which nothing greater can be conceived"

P2. If God is TTWNGCBC, what does this mean?

- He must exist in reality as something that exists in reality is greater than in the mind.
- An existent being is greater than an illusory being.
- The concept of God is surpassed by an existent God.
- However, as he is TTWNGCBC, he exists in both the mind AND reality.

P2. What example did Anselm give to show how God exists in both the mind and reality.

-The example of a painter and a painting.
* Before it exists in reality, a painting needs to exist in the mind of a painter.

P3. Use two ways to show how necessary > contingent.

Contingent = Dependent on something else for existence
Necessary = Not dependent
Contingent = Can be thought of to not exist
Necessary = Cannot be thought of to not exist.
∴ Necessary > Contingent

P3. What does the fact that God is TTWNGCBC mean for his existence?

God's existence is necessary.
It is an integral part of what it means to be God; a unique feature above that of all existent beings.
"God cannot be conceived to not exist."

What about things that are better not existing? e.g. a nine-headed, flesh-eating, giant mosquito.

- The best version of this is a non-existent version as it is bad or undesirable.
- God can never be undesirable - his goodness is an aspect of his greatness.
- As he is so great, it could never be better for him to not exist.