The Ontological Argument

The Ontological Argument 

A deductive approach - conclusion logically follows from and is contained within the premises. 

St Anselm - 11th Century Benedictine Monk
- Faith, Seeking, and Understanding
- Wanted to prove God exists as a logical certainty through analytic statements

In his Proslogion, he reflects on Psalm 14, which says: "The fool says in his heart there is no God"
2 versions of his argument:

1) GREATER WHEN IT EXISTS
"Fool" still understands what is meant by God - the definition of God must analytically prove God exists. Anselm defines God as "that than which nothing greater can be conceived" - something is greater when it actually exists (Anselm: idea of a painting < the actual painting) 
Therefore, de dicto, God must exist, since nothign can be greater than him

2) GREATER WHEN NECESSARY
A necessary existence is greater than a contingent existence - God is necessarily necessary.

Anselm said we cannot say anything is greater than God, for this is to judge him - absurd & foolish.

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Gaunilo's Challenges

Cannot analytically prove God's existence - need revelation.
- DEFINITION:
Anselm assumes we accept his definition of God
I can understand what is meant by something, and not…