The Ontological Argument, first proposed by St. Anselm, consists of five propositions:
1. By the term "God" is meant a being than which none greater can be conceived.
2. Whether we affirm or deny the existence of God, a being than which none greater can be conceived exists in the understanding.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
R. T. Allen has written: 'The necessity of God' -- subject(s): God, Ontological Proof, Proof, Ontological
Saint Anselm's ontological argument is a philosophical reasoning that asserts the existence of God based on the concept of a perfect being. While it is compelling for some, its sufficiency as a theistic proof is debated. Critics argue that it relies heavily on a specific definition of God and may not resonate with those who do not accept its premises. Ultimately, while it provides an interesting perspective, it may not be universally convincing as definitive proof of God's existence.
Reinhard Margreiter has written: 'Ontologie und Gottesbegriffe bei Nietzsche' -- subject(s): Death of God theology, God, Ontological Proof, Ontology, Proof, Ontological 'Vor deinen Augen'
Descartes' proof of God is based on the idea that since he has a clear and distinct idea of God as a perfect being, and since existence is a necessary attribute of perfection, God must exist. In other words, Descartes argues that the very concept of a perfect being necessitates its existence. This proof is known as the ontological argument.
Garth Meyers has written: 'Form and nature of the ultimate power' -- subject(s): God, Ontological Proof, Power (Philosophy)
The ontological argument of the exsitance of god is supported by abrahmic religions. It is not widely practiced in the current day.
Josef Seifert has written: 'Ritornare a Platone' -- subject(s): Criticism and interpretation 'The philosophical diseases of medicine and their cure' -- subject(s): Ethics, Medical, Life, Medical Philosophy, Medical ethics, Medicine, Philosophy, Philosophy, Medical 'Gott als Gottesbeweis' -- subject(s): God, Ontological Proof, Phenomenology, Proof, Ontological
Georges Dicker has written: 'Perceptual knowledge' -- subject- s -: Knowledge, Theory of, Perception - Philosophy -, Theory of Knowledge 'Descartes' -- subject- s -: First philosophy, God, Knowledge, Theory of, Methodology, Ontological Proof, Proof, Ontological, Theory of Knowledge 'Berkeley's idealism' -- subject- s -: Idealism, Idea - Philosophy -, Metaphysics
Saint Anselm.
John C. Carney has written: 'Rethinking Sartre' 'A postmodern argument from tradition for the existence of God' -- subject(s): God, One (The One in philosophy), Theism, Ontological Proof
Descartes's major work is Meditations on First Philosophythe third of which deals with the existence of God as an 'effect'Rene' Descartes was a mathematician and idealist philosopher. His major impact on philosophy and religion was his ontological proof of the existence of God.
Gabriel Marcel critiqued René Descartes' ontological proof of God, emphasizing the existential and personal aspects of faith over abstract reasoning. He believed that true understanding of existence and God cannot be achieved solely through rational arguments, as they neglect the lived experience and the relational dimension of human existence. For Marcel, the encounter with God is more of an existential commitment than a logical deduction, highlighting the importance of personal experience and choice in matters of faith.