Key Insights
Ontological Argument Overview
Origin: Proposed by Anselm of Canterbury in 1078.
Core Claim: If it's possible for God to exist, then God must exist.
Definition of God
Maximally Great Being: Defined as a being that is all-powerful, all-knowing, and morally perfect.
Possible Worlds: Concepts used to discuss existence in different hypothetical scenarios.
Existence in Possible Worlds
Existence Criteria: A being must exist in all possible worlds to be considered maximally great.
Logical Implication: If a maximally great being exists in any possible world, it exists in the actual world.
Challenge to the Argument
Atheist's Position: Must argue that it's impossible for God to exist rather than just asserting non-existence.
Coherence of the Concept: The idea of a maximally great being is deemed coherent, unlike logically incoherent notions (e.g., married bachelor).
Comparison with Maximally Great Pizza
Relativity of Greatness: Unlike God, a pizza lacks intrinsic maximal values; what constitutes a "great" pizza is subjective.
Impossibility of Existence: A maximally great pizza faces logical contradictions, such as not being able to be eaten.
Conclusion of the Argument
Possibility of Existence: If God’s existence is possible, then the ontological argument concludes that God actually exists.
Philosophical Divide: The argument has sparked significant debate among philosophers, with varying opinions on its validity.
Study Guide: The Ontological Argument for the Existence of God
Key Concepts
Ontological Argument
Definition: An argument for the existence of God based on the concept of a maximally great being.
Origin: Proposed by Anselm of Canterbury in 1078.
Maximally Great Being
Characteristics:
All-powerful
All-knowing
Morally perfect
Existence in Possible Worlds: A maximally great being must exist in every possible world to be considered maximally great.
Possible Worlds
Definition: Different ways the world could have been.
Existence in Possible Worlds:
If something exists in a possible world, it means it could exist if the world were that way.
Example: Unicorns exist in some possible worlds; married bachelors do not exist in any possible world (logically incoherent).
Argument Structure
Premise: If it is possible that a maximally great being exists, then it exists in some possible world.
Conclusion: If it exists in any possible world, it must exist in every possible world.
Final Conclusion: Therefore, a maximally great being (God) exists in the actual world.
Key Points of Contention
Coherence of the Concept:
The idea of a maximally great being is not logically incoherent (unlike a married bachelor or square circle).
Critique of Parody Arguments:
Example of a "maximally great pizza" fails because:
Pizzas lack intrinsic maximal values (what makes a pizza great is subjective).
A maximally great pizza would not be able to be eaten, contradicting the nature of a pizza.
Important Philosophers
Supporters of the Argument:
Charles Hartshorne
Norman Malcolm
Alvin Plantinga
Critics:
Arthur Schopenhauer (described it as a "charming joke").
Summary of the Argument
If the existence of a maximally great being is possible, then it must exist in the actual world.
The argument hinges on the coherence of the concept of God as a maximally great being.
Study Tips
Understand the definitions of key terms (e.g., possible worlds, maximally great being).
Familiarize yourself with the structure of the argument and the logical flow.
Be prepared to discuss critiques and counterarguments, particularly the parody argument regarding the pizza.
Reflect on the implications of the argument for atheism: it requires asserting that God's existence is impossible, not just that God does not exist.
The Ontological Argument: A Deep Dive into Anselm's Bold Claim
In the realm of philosophy, few arguments have sparked as much debate and intrigue as the ontological argument for the existence of God. First articulated by Anselm of Canterbury in 1078, this argument posits that if it is even conceivable that God exists, then God must exist. This bold assertion has captivated thinkers for centuries, leading to a rich tapestry of philosophical discourse that continues to this day.
Understanding the Ontological Argument
At its core, the ontological argument defines God as a "maximally great being." This definition is crucial because it sets the stage for the argument's logical progression. Anselm's reasoning follows a simple yet profound line of thought: if something greater than God could exist, then that being would, by definition, be God. Therefore, to be maximally great, God must possess three essential attributes: omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), and moral perfection.
The concept of "possible worlds" is central to this argument. A possible world is essentially a way the world could have been. For instance, while unicorns do not exist in our actual world, they can be said to exist in some possible worlds because their existence does not contradict any logical principles. Conversely, a "married bachelor" is a logical impossibility, as the two terms contradict each other.
Anselm's argument asserts that if a maximally great being exists in any possible world, it must exist in all possible worlds, including our actual world. Thus, if it is even possible for God to exist, then God must exist. This conclusion presents a significant challenge for atheists, who must not only deny God's existence but also assert that it is impossible for God to exist.
The Coherence of the Concept
One of the most critical aspects of the ontological argument is the coherence of the concept of God as a maximally great being. Critics, such as the 19th-century philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, have dismissed the argument as a "charming joke." However, many contemporary philosophers, including Charles Hartshorne, Norman Malcolm, and Alvin Plantinga, argue that the idea of a maximally great being is not only coherent but also intuitively compelling.
To illustrate this point, consider the idea of a "maximally great pizza." At first glance, one might think that this concept could be paralleled with Anselm's argument. However, upon closer examination, the idea of a maximally great pizza falls apart. Unlike God, which has intrinsic maximal values (omnipotence, omniscience, moral perfection), the greatness of a pizza is subjective and relative to individual taste. What one person considers a great pizza—thin crust, extra cheese, or anchovies—may not resonate with another.
Moreover, a maximally great pizza would have to exist in every possible world, which raises a paradox: if it exists in every possible world, it cannot be eaten, as it would be a non-physical entity. This contradiction renders the idea of a maximally great pizza incoherent, while the concept of God remains robust and logically sound.
The Implications of the Argument
The ontological argument has profound implications for the discourse surrounding the existence of God. If Anselm's reasoning holds, it challenges atheists to reconsider their stance. They must grapple not only with the existence of God but also with the possibility of God's existence. This shift in perspective can lead to deeper philosophical inquiries about the nature of existence, reality, and the divine.
Furthermore, the argument invites believers to reflect on the nature of their faith. If God is indeed a maximally great being, then understanding and engaging with this concept can enrich one's spiritual journey. It encourages believers to explore the attributes of God—His omnipotence, omniscience, and moral perfection—and how these qualities manifest in the world around them.
Conclusion: A Timeless Debate
The ontological argument remains a cornerstone of philosophical theology, provoking thought and discussion across centuries. While some may dismiss it as an abstract exercise in logic, its implications resonate deeply within the realms of faith and reason. Anselm's assertion that the very possibility of God's existence necessitates His actual existence challenges us to think critically about our beliefs and the nature of reality.
As we navigate this timeless debate, it is essential to approach the ontological argument with an open mind, recognizing its potential to deepen our understanding of existence and the divine. Whether one ultimately agrees with Anselm or not, engaging with the ontological argument is an invitation to explore the profound questions that lie at the heart of human existence. In a world filled with uncertainty, the quest for understanding the nature of God and existence remains a pursuit worth undertaking.