Summary
Ontological Argument Summary
- Course
- Institution
Quick summary notes on the Ontological Argument
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
hraff123
Content preview
Ontological ArgumentThe existence of God is regarded as a characteristic of God
The argument is a priori argument- An a priori argument is one where certain basic
principles are assumed to be true
This can be associated with Anslem (1033-1109)
One cannot think of God as not existing since existence is essential to the very idea of God.
The Ontological Argument is concerned solely with the existence of God
Plantinga’s Ontological Argument:
His argument implements the notion of possible worlds. This is the test for logical
impossibility we can think of a possible world in which the statement is true. For a
statement to be logically necessary it would have to be true in all possible worlds.
Summary:
1. There is a possible world, in which there exists a being with maximal greatness and
excellence
2. Therefore, in any possible world this being has maximal excellence.
3. Our world is a possible world (since our world exists)
4. Therefore, in our world there is the being.
Norman Malcolm:
His argument runs as follows:
1. If God exists, his existence is necessary
2. If God does not exist, his existence is impossible
3. His existence is either necessary or impossible
4. His existence is not impossible
5. Therefore, God necessarily exists
A Priori Argument
• Based on the premise of existence
• If God is God, then He exists- therefore God must exist
• God is defined: a Necessary being and a Perfect being
• The argument is based on “de dicto”- the very idea of God means that He exists
A Conceptual Argument
• God is described as the: perfect, necessary being
• In order to be a perfect and necessary being- he must exist
• The non-existence of a perfect and necessary being is illogical
• If God is God- then He exists
“Ontos”
• The word “ontos” means -> being and nature
• The argument rests on what is defined as the being and nature of God
• God’s character/ characteristics are central to the argument
• One of God’s necessary characteristics is existence
• Therefore- God necessarily exists
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller hraff123. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $3.86. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
67474 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now