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Ontological Arg Flashcards

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1
Q

What does ‘a priori’ mean?

A

Without or prior to evidence or experience

‘A priori’ is often used in philosophical arguments to denote reasoning that does not rely on empirical evidence.

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2
Q

Define deductive proof.

A

A proof in which, if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true

Deductive proofs are based on logical reasoning and consist of premises that lead to an inescapable conclusion.

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3
Q

What is the ontological argument?

A

An argument for the existence of God based on the concept of the nature of being

The ontological argument is a philosophical argument that seeks to prove God’s existence through abstract reasoning.

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4
Q

What is a premise?

A

A statement or proposition used to construct an argument

Premises serve as the foundational building blocks of logical arguments.

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5
Q

What distinguishes deductive proof from inductive proof?

A

Deductive proof is based on pure reasoning without prior experience, while inductive proof relies on evidence or experience

Inductive proofs generalize from specific instances, whereas deductive proofs guarantee conclusions based on premises.

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6
Q

Provide an example of a deductive proof.

A
  1. All oceans contain water.
  2. The Atlantic is an ocean.
  3. Therefore, the Atlantic contains water.

This example demonstrates a logically sound deductive proof.

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7
Q

What can render a deductive proof factually inaccurate?

A

If at least one of the premises is suspect or wrong

For instance, the premise ‘All birds can fly’ is inaccurate, leading to a flawed conclusion.

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8
Q

Why are deductive proofs considered powerful?

A

When well constructed, they are virtually impossible to disagree with

This strength comes from their logical structure, which guarantees the truth of the conclusion if the premises are true.

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9
Q

Who is associated with the ontological argument?

A

Anselm of Canterbury

Anselm proposed the ontological argument in the eleventh century, seeking a rational proof for God’s existence.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: Deductive proofs are based on _______.

A

[pure reasoning]

This highlights the nature of deductive reasoning as distinct from empirical evidence.

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11
Q

True or False: The conclusion of a deductive proof is always factually accurate.

A

False

While the conclusion may be logically sound, it can still be factually incorrect if the premises are not true.

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12
Q

What should you be able to explain clearly when answering questions on different types of proof?

A

The differences between inductive and deductive proofs

Having a clear example for each type of proof is essential.

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13
Q

What is a good practice when selecting examples for proof types?

A

Check with your teacher for accuracy and relevance

This demonstrates good use of evidence and examples.

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14
Q

Who composed the Proslogion?

A

Anselm of Bec, later Archbishop of Canterbury

He was part of the Norman invasion of England.

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15
Q

What does the title ‘Fides Quaerens Intellectum’ translate to?

A

‘Faith seeking understanding’

This is the original title of Anselm’s Proslogion.

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16
Q

What is the main objective of Anselm’s Proslogion?

A

To offer a single rational proof for the existence of God

The argument is expressed in deductive form.

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17
Q

What type of argument does Anselm use in his proof?

A

Deductive argument

This means the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

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18
Q

What is Anselm’s view of God in his philosophy?

A

God as the greatest possible being

This concept is central to Anselm’s argument in the Proslogion.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: Anselm’s full name is _______.

A

Anselm of Canterbury

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20
Q

True or False: Anselm’s Proslogion contains multiple proofs for God’s existence.

A

False

It attempts to provide a single rational proof.

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21
Q

What is the relationship between faith and reason according to Anselm?

A

Faith comes first; reason is used to deepen understanding of faith.

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22
Q

What does Anselm believe about God’s existence?

A

God exists and is the source of all being.

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23
Q

Complete the quote from Anselm: ‘For I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to _______.’

A

[understand]

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24
Q

What is the dichotomy Anselm presents in his investigation of God’s existence?

A

Acceptance or denial.

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25
How does Anselm define the fool in relation to God's existence?
A self-deluded person who lives a life of injustice and corruption.
26
What is the modern interpretation of an atheist according to the text?
A person who denies any possibility of the existence of a being such as a god.
27
In Proslogion 2, how does Anselm define God?
As 'a being than which nothing greater can be conceived.'
28
What is the logical structure of Anselm's argument regarding God's existence?
* Premise 1: Beings exist in both the mind and in reality. * Premise 2: God is the greatest possible being that can be thought of. * Conclusion: God must exist in both the mind and in reality.
29
What example does Anselm use to illustrate his argument about existence?
The example of a painter and a painting.
30
True or False: Anselm believes that God can be conceived without existing.
False.
31
What does Anselm conclude about God's existence based on his definition?
God must necessarily exist in reality.
32
According to Anselm, why is it greater to exist in reality than in just the mind?
[Greater or better to exist in reality.]
33
What is the integral part of Anselm’s reasoning concerning God?
God has the property of having to exist.
34
What criticism does Anselm's argument attract?
It initially seems logically weak in terms of its premises.
35
Fill in the blank: Anselm's reasoning suggests that if God is the greatest possible being, he must _______.
[necessarily exist in reality.]
36
What does Anselm's definition of God imply about all existent beings?
God is the greatest being that exists.
37
What does Anselm argue about God's existence in Chapter 3 of his Proslogion?
God has necessary existence ## Footnote Anselm states that God cannot be conceived not to exist.
38
What is the significance of God being the greatest possible being according to Anselm?
God's existence must be necessary ## Footnote This means God cannot be thought of as not existing.
39
What are the two types of beings Anselm considers?
* Necessary being * Contingent being ## Footnote A necessary being cannot not exist, whereas a contingent being can be thought of as not existing.
40
How does Anselm compare necessary existence to contingent existence?
The being that cannot not exist is greater than the being that does not have to exist ## Footnote This emphasizes the superiority of necessary existence.
41
What is the conclusion Anselm reaches about God's existence based on his definition?
God must necessarily exist in reality ## Footnote Otherwise, something that exists in reality would be greater than God.
42
Fill in the blank: Anselm defines God as 'that than which nothing greater can be conceived', thus indicating that God must have _______.
necessary existence ## Footnote This definition leads to the conclusion of God's necessary existence.
43
True or False: According to Anselm, if God exists only as an idea, he is still the greatest possible being.
False ## Footnote If God exists only as an idea, then something that exists in reality would be greater.
44
What unique feature does Anselm attribute to God compared to all existent beings?
Necessary existence ## Footnote This is seen as an integral part of what it means to be God.
45
What is the definition of God according to Rene Descartes?
God is the most perfect being, possessing all perfections. ## Footnote Descartes implies that God possesses the very best form of all possible attributes.
46
Which three attributes are magnified in the God of Classical Theism?
* Omnipotence (all-powerful) * Omniscience (all-knowing) * Omnibenevolence (all-loving) ## Footnote These attributes are seen as being in their perfect state.
47
What does Descartes include as an attribute of God?
Existence ## Footnote Descartes argues that if God did not possess the perfection of existence, He would not be supremely perfect.
48
How does Descartes’ definition of God differ from Anselm's?
Descartes' definition is phrased in positive terms, while Anselm's is phrased negatively. ## Footnote Anselm's definition states that 'God is that than which nothing greater can be conceived'.
49
What is the implication of God possessing all perfections according to Descartes?
If God does not possess every positive attribute, He cannot be the supremely perfect being. ## Footnote This is central to Descartes' argument for the existence of God.
50
What is the time period during which Rene Descartes lived?
1596-1650
51
True or False: Descartes defines God as a being that lacks any perfections.
False
52
What is the first analogy Descartes uses to explain the concept of God?
The idea of a triangle
53
What are the necessary criteria for the concept of a triangle according to Descartes?
* Three sides * Interior angles that add up to 180°
54
What does Descartes assert about the existence of a triangle?
It does not necessarily exist in any external reality
55
How does Descartes relate the concept of God to the idea of existence?
The attribute of existence is a necessary part of the definition of God
56
What does Descartes conclude about the concept of God?
It contains the idea of his existence as a necessary perfection
57
What is the second analogy Descartes uses?
The idea that one cannot think of a mountain without thinking of the corresponding valley
58
What does the mountain and valley analogy illustrate?
The inseparability of the ideas of God and his existence
59
True or False: According to Descartes, the inability to conceive of a mountain without a valley implies the actual existence of mountains and valleys.
False
60
What does Descartes mean by saying existence is inseparable from God?
It follows that God really exists
61
What does Descartes claim about the power of thought regarding God's existence?
It cannot impose necessity on things
62
According to Descartes, who possesses the perfection of necessary existence?
God, as the supremely perfect being
63
Fill in the blank: Descartes argues that the necessity of the existence of God determines me to think in this way, as it is not within my power to think of God without _______.
[existence]
64
What is the first analogy Descartes uses to explain the concept of God?
The idea of a triangle
65
What are the necessary criteria for the concept of a triangle according to Descartes?
* Three sides * Interior angles that add up to 180°
66
What does Descartes assert about the existence of a triangle?
It does not necessarily exist in any external reality
67
How does Descartes relate the concept of God to the idea of existence?
The attribute of existence is a necessary part of the definition of God
68
What does Descartes conclude about the concept of God?
It contains the idea of his existence as a necessary perfection
69
What is the second analogy Descartes uses?
The idea that one cannot think of a mountain without thinking of the corresponding valley
70
What does the mountain and valley analogy illustrate?
The inseparability of the ideas of God and his existence
71
True or False: According to Descartes, the inability to conceive of a mountain without a valley implies the actual existence of mountains and valleys.
False
72
What does Descartes mean by saying existence is inseparable from God?
It follows that God really exists
73
What does Descartes claim about the power of thought regarding God's existence?
It cannot impose necessity on things
74
According to Descartes, who possesses the perfection of necessary existence?
God, as the supremely perfect being
75
Fill in the blank: Descartes argues that the necessity of the existence of God determines me to think in this way, as it is not within my power to think of God without _______.
[existence]
76
What does the ontological argument suggest about God's existence?
God's existence is necessary
77
According to Malcolm, what is the definition of God in the ontological argument?
A being greater than which cannot be conceived
78
What happens if God does not exist, according to the argument?
His existence is impossible
79
If God exists, what cannot happen to Him?
He cannot come into existence nor cease to exist
80
Why cannot God come into existence if He does not exist?
He would be a limited being
81
What two possibilities does Malcolm present regarding God's existence?
Impossible or necessary
82
What must be true for God's existence to be impossible?
The concept of such a being must be self-contradictory or logically absurd
83
Fill in the blank: If God does not exist, His existence is _______.
impossible
84
True or False: If God exists, He can cease to exist.
False
85
What does it mean if God's existence is necessary?
He exists in all possible worlds
86
Who criticized Anselm's ontological argument?
Gaunilo of Marmoutier ## Footnote Gaunilo was a contemporary monk who used reductio ad absurdum to challenge Anselm's proof.
87
What argument structure did Gaunilo use against Anselm's ontological argument?
Reductio ad absurdum ## Footnote This structure aims to show that a claim leads to an absurd conclusion.
88
What is the definition of God according to Anselm's ontological argument?
'That than which nothing greater can be conceived' ## Footnote This definition claims God is the greatest possible being.
89
What analogy did Gaunilo use to argue against Anselm's definition of God?
The perfect island ## Footnote Gaunilo argued that one could similarly conceive of a perfect island that must exist.
90
According to Gaunilo, what would be the consequence of claiming the perfect island exists?
It leads to logical nonsense ## Footnote Just because something can be thought of as perfect does not mean it exists in reality.
91
What is the basic counter-argument to Gaunilo's criticism?
Only God is necessary (non-contingent) ## Footnote This implies that God's existence is not dependent on anything else, unlike contingent objects.
92
Why is Gaunilo's island considered a contingent object?
It can always be improved or made 'more perfect' ## Footnote Contingent entities like islands do not have intrinsic perfection.
93
What philosopher objected to the ontological argument in the 18th century?
Immanuel Kant ## Footnote Kant raised significant critiques against the concept of existence as a predicate.
94
What was one of Kant's key objections to the ontological argument?
Existence cannot be a predicate ## Footnote Kant argued that existence does not add anything to the concept of a thing.
95
Provide an example Kant used to illustrate his point about existence as a predicate.
A car is silver ## Footnote This example shows that stating something exists does not define its nature.
96
Fill in the blank: The idea that God possesses all perfections is challenged by Kant's assertion that _______.
existence cannot be a predicate
97
True or False: Gaunilo's argument suggests that just because we can conceive of a perfect being, it must exist.
False ## Footnote Gaunilo argued that just because we can conceive of perfection does not necessitate existence.
98
What criticism did Immanuel Kant have towards Descartes' ontological argument?
Kant argued that it is inaccurate to describe existence as a perfection.
99
According to Kant, why can't existence be considered a predicate?
Existence can be possessed or lacked by an object, but it does not describe anything about the nature of that object.
100
What example does Kant use to illustrate the concept of a predicate?
If we say 'my car is silver,' we are describing a predicate that tells us something about the car's nature.
101
How does Kant differentiate between predicates and existence?
Predicates describe attributes of an object, while saying 'my car exists' reveals nothing about its nature.
102
What example does Kant provide involving thalers?
He asks what difference it makes to say '100 thalers exist' compared to listing other predicates like 'they are round' or 'made of gold.'
103
What conclusion does Kant reach regarding the ontological argument?
Kant suggests that Descartes' ontological argument fails a priori to prove the existence of God.
104
True or False: Kant believes that existence adds something to our understanding of an object.
False.
105
Fill in the blank: For Kant, a predicate is an ________ or characteristic that describes an object's nature.
[attribute]
106
What does Kant imply about the phrase 'it exists' when added to the description of thalers?
It shows that existence is not a real predicate as it does not change our understanding.
107
What are some predicates Kant agrees can describe God?
* All-loving * Omnipresent * Omniscient
108
What does Kant argue about the phrase 'God exists'?
It does not tell us anything about God's nature.

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