OA Essay Plan: How persuasive are ontological arguments for the existence of God? (40 Marks)

Introduction:

What are you going to conclude in this essay?

• allows one to understand the nature of God and what He is but does not necessarily work to prove the actual existence of God

Argument FOR the statement:

Point: st anselm’s argument

Evidence for this would be…

This suggests…

Evaluation point

Remember key evaluation phrases:

Opposing this point this

Supporting this point is…

Remember to use other key scholars to highlight the point AND then evaluate your point as well

Argument AGAINST the statement:

Point: immanuel kant

Evidence for this would be…

This suggests…

Evaluation point

Argument FOR the statement:

Point: norman malcolm

Evidence for this would be…

This suggests…

Evaluation point

Link this paragraph to the one before – why would they disagree?

Need scholars and quotes

Argument AGAINST the statement:

Point: bertrand russell

Evidence for this would be…

This suggests…

Evaluation point

This needs to be the final and deciding point

Final argument - deciding:

Point

Evidence for this would be…

This suggests…

Evaluation point

In conclusion

‘it can be argued that…’

Evaluation phrases:

X would find flaws in y because…

In contrast to this

This is supported by…

Although this may seem plausible at first glance, there are many issues…

They key strengths of this argument are….

X would seem to indicate that

X would agree with claim

This is further strengthened by

X criticises the fact that…

Opposing this point this

Supporting this point is…

The most important point is…

Candidates will be assessed on the quality of the conclusions and points they argue and the clarity and success of their argument.