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Explain the Ontological argument.
- Essay length: 12307 words
- Submitted: 16/10/2003
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Explain the Ontological argument (33)
The ontological argument is a 'priori' argument. This means to prove Gods existence through the definition of the word 'God', it is not dependent on proof but if the premise is correct, then so must be the conclusion.
Saint Anselm of Canterbury first propagated the argument through a series of works named "Proslogion", which attempted to prove both the nature and existence of God. Anselm defined God as "that which nothing greater can be conceived". According to Anselm even an atheist must have a definition of God, if nothing more than to dismiss his existence. Anselm went on to argue that there are two types of existence, existence in the mind and existence in reality. To exist in reality is far better to exist in the mind, for example the thought of a £1,000 would be nice but it would be better in reality. Therefore God has to exist in both the mind and in reality, because otherwise something greater could exist in reality. Anselm then went on to prove that God is necessary because something exists cannot be argued not to exist and God must be such a thing if he
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