Exploring the Ontological Argument

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

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

• God is the creator of the universe.

• God is a moral authority for humanity.

• God is a being that exists only in the mind.

How does Descartes' version of the ontological argument differ from Anselm's?

• Anselm argues that existence is a property that can be denied.

• Descartes claims that God's existence is irrelevant to His essence.

• Anselm believes that God's existence is proven through empirical evidence.

• Descartes argues that existence is part of God's essence, while Anselm argues that God must exist because He is the greatest conceivable being.

What is Gaunilo's main critique of Anselm's argument?

• Gaunilo's main critique is that Anselm's argument could be used to prove the existence of anything perfect, like a perfect island, which is absurd.

• Gaunilo argues that Anselm's argument is too complex to understand.

• Gaunilo's critique is that Anselm's argument relies on outdated logic.

• Gaunilo believes that Anselm's argument is universally accepted by all philosophers.

How does Kant challenge the ontological argument regarding existence?

• Kant believes that existence can be defined as a property of objects.

• Kant argues that existence is a necessary quality of all beings.

• Kant challenges the ontological argument by asserting that existence is not a predicate that adds to the essence of a being.

• Kant supports the ontological argument by emphasizing the importance of existence.

What modern interpretations exist for the ontological argument?

• Reformulations based on empirical evidence

• Arguments based on moral necessity

• Modern interpretations include modal logic reformulations, existential necessity, and critiques from existentialism and analytic philosophy.

• Historical critiques from medieval philosophy

In Anselm's argument, why is God considered the greatest conceivable being?

• God is considered the greatest being because He is the most powerful entity.

• God is considered the greatest conceivable being because He possesses all perfections, including existence.

• God is the greatest being due to His ability to create the universe.

• God is the greatest being because He is worshipped by the most people.

What role does the concept of necessary existence play in Descartes' argument?

• Necessary existence is only a concept in modern philosophy, not in Descartes' work.

• Necessary existence is essential for proving the existence of God in Descartes' argument.

• Descartes argues that necessary existence is a property of material objects.

• Necessary existence is irrelevant to Descartes' argument.

How does Gaunilo use the example of a perfect island to critique Anselm's argument?

• The perfect island is used to demonstrate the necessity of faith.

• Gaunilo believes the perfect island is a real place that can be found.

• Gaunilo uses the perfect island to show that Anselm's argument could imply the existence of things that are clearly not real.

• Gaunilo argues that the perfect island proves the existence of God.

What is Kant's view on existence as a predicate?

• Kant believes existence is a necessary condition for knowledge.

• Kant argues that existence is a fundamental predicate.

• Kant states that existence enhances the properties of objects.

• Kant believes existence is not a predicate.

How do contemporary philosophers view the relevance of the ontological argument today?

• Contemporary philosophers have completely abandoned the ontological argument as irrelevant.

• The ontological argument is only discussed in historical contexts and has no modern relevance.

• The ontological argument is universally accepted by all contemporary philosophers.

• The ontological argument remains relevant as a topic of philosophical debate, though its acceptance varies among contemporary philosophers.