the ontological argument

the two types of propositions (statements):

analytic statement: a statement that is true by definition. it requires the use of logic alone

eg a bachelor is an unmarried man
eg basketball is a sport

synthetic statement: a statement that is based on our sensory data and experience. the truth-value of a synthetic statement cannot be figured out based solely on logic

a priori knowledge: knowledge that we have ‘prior’ to and independent of any sense experience (ontological)

pure/rational logic

a posteriori knowledge: knowledge that we gain after a sensory experience (teleological, cosmological)

lead to conclusions that are ‘certain’
anselm is not trying to prove God’s existence using empiricism like the Cosmological argument, but is demonstrating what is true
ontos = being, logos = study of

» “Fools say in their hearts ‘there is no God’.” ~ Psalm 14:1

st anselm’s ontological argument:

Introduction:
- Proposed by Saint Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the 11th century.
- Presented in his work "Proslogion."
Central Idea:
- Focuses on the concept of God as "that than which nothing greater can be conceived."
Definition of God:
- God is defined as the greatest conceivable being, possessing all perfections.
Ontological Nature:
- Anselm argues that God's existence is necessary by nature; it is greater to exist necessarily than contingently.
Logical Structure:
- Anselm formulates his argument in a deductive manner.
- God, as the greatest conceivable being, must exist in reality; otherwise, a greater being (one that exists) could be conceived.
Objections Addressed:
- Anselm anticipates objections, including the idea that one can conceive of God without affirming existence. He responds by emphasising that existence is inherent in the concept of God.
Subsequent Criticisms:
- Immanuel Kant and other philosophers criticised the argument, asserting that existence is not a predicate and that the argument relies on a linguistic misunderstanding.
Influence:
- Despite criticisms, Anselm's ontological argument remains a significant and influential topic in the philosophy of religion.