arguments for God from reason

Question 1

how does anselm try to defend the existence of God

Answer 1

he creates his own definition of God saying he is that than which nothing greater can be conceived, he then quotes psalm 14:1 that says the fool says in his heart there is no God . anselm states we can think of things in our mind but to actually exist is greater, he uses the example of a painter who has a painting in his mind but the painting is greater once it has actually been painted because it exists in reality and the mind.

Question 2

what does anselm say about existence in the mind and reality

Answer 2

its greater to exist in both the mind and reality, anything that really exists is greater than things that only exist in the mind.

anselm says the fool from psalm would agree with his definiton but the fool doesnt believe God exists in reality. anselm argues theres a universal understanding of God even if he doesnt exist

since anything that really exists is greater than things that exist in the mind anything really would be greater than God but thats a contradiction as God is that than which nothing greater can be concieved.

Question 3

what is the A03 for this

Answer 3

anselm creates his own belief of God and just rolls with it

priori arguments use invalid logic, posteriori arguments such as telological arguments are based on empiricism which is a better metric to use

it actually is better to exist in the mind alone, we can imagine impossible things such as flying carpets, the world is a better place without them

Question 4

what is gaunilos counter argument

Answer 4

he uses the lost island criticism, he is told about the most amazing island that no one has ever found