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removed liberal bias; clarified
The ontological argument uses the definition of [[God]] to prove His existence. It was originally proposed by [[Anselm]] and remained influential for centuries, and was later used by [[Descartes]]. Anselm's proof is as follows:
The ontological argument uses the definition of [[God]] to prove His existence. It was originally proposed by [[Anselm]] and remained influential for centuries, and was later used by [[Descartes]]. Anselm's proof is as follows:
God is that for which no greater being is conceivable.
:God is that for which no greater being is conceivable.
That which exists is greater than that which does not exist.
:That which exists is greater than that which does not exist.
That which does not exist fails to satisfy the definition of God.
:That which does not exist fails to satisfy the definition of God.
Therefore God exists.
:Therefore God exists.
In a sense this proof of the existence of God is similar to the mathematical proofs based on deriving a contradiction of something is not true. Accepting the definition of God, as most would, while then denying that God exists leads to a contradiction as existence is a necessary element of perfection in this context.
In a sense this proof of the existence of God is similar to the mathematical proofs based on deriving a contradiction of something is not true. Accepting the definition of God, as most would, while then denying that God exists leads to a contradiction as existence is a necessary element of perfection in this context.