PHI110RS SaintLeo Existence Of God Argumentative Essay

Anselm’s Ontological Argument

(1) God is that than which no greater can be conceived.
(2) If God is that than which no greater can be conceived then there is nothing greater than God that can be imagined.
Therefore:
(3) There is nothing greater than God that can be imagined.
(4) If God does not exist then there is something greater than God that can be imagined.
Therefore:
(5) God exists.

The first premise of this argument, (1), is Anselm’s conception of God. (2) is a simple logical truth; if God is the greatest conceivable being then there is no greater conceivable being. (3) follows simply from (1) and (2).

Anselm argues in support of (4) by comparing a non-existent God with an existent God. An existent God, says Anselm, is greater than a non-existent God. If God were non-existent, therefore, then we could imagine a God greater than he, namely an existent God.

You may argue either for or against the soundness of the argument, but you must take up and defend a specific position.

Defend a thesis and should proceed according to the following format: Thesis, Argument, Objection(s), Response(s), Conclusion Include citations to the primary required class readings. These and any additional sources must be properly cited using MLA format. Fall within the following length requirements: 1200-1500 words. Use a standard 10-12 pt. font and be double spaced.