Arguments From Reason

Question 1

Specification (ontological)

Answer 1

Details of the ontological argument with reference to anselms argument and the criticisms of Kant and Gaunilo

Question 2

Anselms ontological argument is not persuasive. Discuss.

Answer 2

1) A prior vs a posteriori
2) response to gaunilo fails
3) Kant and Russell’s criticisms

Question 3

To what extent does gaunilo successfully criticise the ontological argument

Answer 3

1) gaunilos criticisms of the first formulation
2) a posteriori> a prior
3) kant and Russell’s criticisms aid gaunilo

Question 4

To what extent does kant successfully criticise the ontological argument

Answer 4

1) a priori vs a posteriori
2) existence is not a predicate (norman malcom only necessary have that)
3) gaunilos criticisms fail in comparison

Question 5

A priori arguments are more persuasive than a posteriori arguments. Discuss.

Answer 5

1) a priori vs a posteriori (misplaced reliance on analytic statements)
2) a posteriori tells us more about God’s nature
3) neither are fully successful, both are ‘faith-seeking understanding’

Question 6

Nuanced conclusion ontological

Answer 6

Requires preexisting faith that makes it unconvincing to the skeptic