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The ontological argument is an argument used to prove the existence of God from premises derived using a priorireasoning, that is, using reason and intuition alone.
Some examples of ontological arguments:
Avicenna's argument: The universe consists of a chain of definite beings, which can give existence to other things. Similarly, each thing that exists must also have been given existence, or caused, by another thing. This chain of being continues almost infinitely, however, there must have been some initial cause which was not caused by anything else. Essentially, some sort of "uncaused cause". This, he argued, must be a wholly self-sufficient and perfect being, whose existence does not depend on anything else. He determined this being to be God.
Descartes' argument: As we understand God to be the most perfect being, he must exist. The reason for this is that a being that exists only in the mind is not as great or as perfect as a being that exists both in the mind and in actuality. Thus, perfection necessitates existence.
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What religious groups support the ontological argument of the existence of God?
The ontological argument of the exsitance of god is supported by abrahmic religions. It is not widely practiced in the current day.
What are some recommended books on ontological arguments?
There are many options for books on ontological arguments at Amazon, including The Many-Faced Argument: Recent Studies on the Ontological Argument for the Existence of God. Barnes and Noble and Borders also offer a selection.
What is the name of the strategy employed by Descartes in The Meditations?
The Ontological Argument
What is an ontological argument?
The ontological argument is a philosophical argument for the existence of God that is based on the concept of existence or being. It suggests that the very concept of God being the greatest possible being necessarily implies his existence. This argument has been presented and debated by various philosophers throughout history, such as Anselm of Canterbury and René Descartes.
What exactly is an ontological argument?
It is a philosophical argument that God exists. While many philosopher's theories had many differences in derivation and reasoning, the conclusion to all ontological arguments was that the superior being of God is a reality.
Does the ontological argument mean that god does not exist?
The ontological argument does not mean that God does not exist it is just an argument based upon the concept of God itself, this topic is a controversial topic and is often led into believing the wrong way one time or another.
Is the ontological argument deductive or inductive?
The ontological argument is typically considered a deductive argument. It aims to establish the existence of God by reason alone, starting from the concept of God as a necessary being. It proceeds through logical steps to demonstrate that God's existence is a necessary consequence of His definition.
Who was the first philosopher to propose an ontological argument?
The first philosopher to propose an ontological argument is generally attributed to St. Anselm, an 11th-century Christian theologian and philosopher. He argued that the very concept of God as the greatest possible being necessitates His existence.
What is a good philosophy book to read to learn more about the ontological argument?
"The Stanford book on philosophy and the Anselm's Ontological argument are your best best. To look for the best deals, refer to amazon or walmart would be the best bet. Make sure to check for user reviews though!"
How do you explain the ontological argument for the existence of God?
The ontological argument posits that the concept of God as a perfect being necessitates His existence. It argues that if we can conceive of a being that possesses all perfections (including existence), then that being must exist in reality. Critics argue that existence is not a property that adds to the perfection of a being and that the argument relies heavily on the assumption that existence is a predicate.
What does aquinas say about the ontological argument?
Aquinas critiques the ontological argument, stating that it is not possible to deduce the existence of God from the concept of a perfect being alone. He argues that we cannot know God's existence simply through reason or definition, but must rely on faith and revelation.
Why does the Ontological Argument fail to prove the existence of God?
The Ontological Argument, first proposed by St. Anselm, consists of five propositions:By the term "God" is meant a being than which none greater can be conceived.Whether we affirm or deny the existence of God, a being than which none greater can be conceived exists in the understanding.It is possible to conceive of a being than which none greater can be conceived existing not only in the understanding but in reality as well; and this is greater.If, therefore, a being than which none greater can be conceived exists only in the understanding, it is not a being than which none greater can be conceived.Therefore, a being than which none greater can be conceived exists also in reality.Anselm's argument, as with similar ontological arguments raised by later theologians, fails because it is not a sound argument.Bertrand Russell noted that "The argument does not, to a modern mind, seem very convincing, but it is easier to feel convinced that it must be fallacious than it is to find out precisely where the fallacy lies." David Hume demonstrated that fallacy: "[T]here is an evident absurdity in pretending to demonstrate a matter of fact, or to prove it by any arguments a priori. Nothing is demonstrable, unless the contrary implies a contradiction. Nothing, that is distinctly conceivable, implies a contradiction. Whatever we conceive as existent, we can also conceive as non-existent. There is no being, therefore, whose non-existence implies a contradiction. Consequently there is no being, whose existence is demonstrable." Hume was saying that if it is equally possible to conceive the non-existence of God, without a logical contradiction, then the ontological argument fails.A parody of the ontological argument, that very well proves its absurdity is to to conceive of the greatest, or most perfect, island. As a matter of fact, it is likely that no such island actually exists. However, this argument would then say that we are not thinking of the greatest conceivable island, because the greatest conceivable island would existaccording to the ontological argument, since we can conceive of this greatest or most perfect island. No philosophical argument has ever proven the existence of God.
