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Scholasticism strengthened understanding of Christian doctrine through careful definition and systematic argument. St. Anselm preferred to defend [[Christianity]] through use of strong logical arguments, rather than relying solely on scripture. St. Anselm is famous for the first formal presentation of the [[ontological argument]], which was a highly influential proof of the existence of [[God]] based on definition of God.

Scholasticism strengthened understanding of Christian doctrine through careful definition and systematic argument. St. Anselm preferred to defend [[Christianity]] through use of strong logical arguments, rather than relying solely on scripture. St. Anselm is famous for the first formal presentation of the [[ontological argument]], which was a highly influential proof of the existence of [[God]] based on definition of God.

St. Anselm was a [[Latin]] scholar who became a [[Benedictine]] monk, much to the disappointment of his father, who wanted him to enter politics. In this way his early life is remarkably similar to that of [[Aquinas]]. However, the two severely disagreed on the best method for proving God's existence. Aquinas found Anselm's ontological argument flawed and cold, while Anselm found Aquinas' [[cosmological argument]]s and [[teleological argument]]s weak and unconvincing.

St. Anselm was a [[Latin]] scholar who became a [[Benedictine]] monk, much to the disappointment of his father, who wanted him to enter politics. In this way his early life is remarkably similar to that of [[Aquinas]].

St. Anselm also presented an argument for why [[Jesus Christ]] must have existed. Under the [[feudalism|feudal]] system of Anselm’s day, the severity of a crime and amount of satisfaction required of the offender varied depending on the status of the victim.  Someone who committed a crime against the king would deserve a far more severe punishment than someone who committed a crime against a peasant. St. Anselm wrote a treatise entitled "[[Cur Deus homo]]?" ("Why Did God Become Man?"), in which he argued that 'finite' man could never satisfy a crime or sin against the 'infinite' [[God]].  Only an 'infinite' man could provide full satisfaction because the victim of the crime or sin was the 'infinite' [[God]].  Hence, assuming the universal validity of feudal system, and assuming the existence of an ontological system to enforce this feudal system on Man, an 'infinite' man is essential. Anselm argued that this man was [[Jesus Christ]].

St. Anselm also presented an argument for why [[Jesus Christ]] must have existed. Under the [[feudalism|feudal]] system of Anselm’s day, the severity of a crime and amount of satisfaction required of the offender varied depending on the status of the victim.  Someone who committed a crime against the king would deserve a far more severe punishment than someone who committed a crime against a peasant. St. Anselm wrote a treatise entitled "[[Cur Deus homo]]?" ("Why Did God Become Man?"), in which he argued that 'finite' man could never satisfy a crime or sin against the 'infinite' [[God]].  Only an 'infinite' man could provide full satisfaction because the victim of the crime or sin was the 'infinite' [[God]].  Hence, assuming the universal validity of feudal system, and assuming the existence of an ontological system to enforce this feudal system on Man, an 'infinite' man is essential. Anselm argued that this man was [[Jesus Christ]].