Exploring Anselm's Ontological Argument

What is Anselm's definition of God in his argument?

• God is 'that than which nothing greater can be conceived.'

• God is a supreme being who created the universe.

• God is an abstract concept of morality.

• God is a powerful entity that can be physically seen.

How does Anselm argue that existence is a predicate of God?

• Anselm argues that existence is a predicate of God by stating that if God exists only in the understanding, a greater being could be conceived to exist in reality, thus God must exist in reality.

• Anselm claims that existence is irrelevant to the nature of God.

• Anselm believes that existence is a quality that can be denied of God.

• Anselm argues that God's existence is proven through miracles alone.

What is the significance of the concept of 'greater' in Anselm's argument?

• The term 'greater' is used to describe the physical size of God compared to other beings.

• 'Greater' indicates that God's existence is irrelevant to the argument.

• The concept of 'greater' refers to the moral superiority of humans over animals.

• The concept of 'greater' signifies that existence in reality is superior to existence in the mind, supporting the necessity of God's existence.

How did Descartes build upon Anselm's ontological argument?

• Descartes argued that existence is a necessary attribute of a supremely perfect being, thus refining Anselm's ontological argument.

• Descartes rejected Anselm's argument entirely.

• Descartes claimed that existence is irrelevant to perfection.

• Descartes believed that Anselm's argument was too simplistic.

What are some common criticisms of Anselm's ontological argument?

• Existence is defined as a quality of physical objects.

• The argument is based on empirical evidence of God's existence.

• Anselm's argument is universally accepted without criticism.

• Common criticisms include the reliance on a specific definition of God, Gaunilo's perfect island objection, Kant's critique on existence as a predicate, and circular reasoning.