Essay about Ontological Argument Critique - 857 Words

The existence of God is a much debated philosophical argument that has mystified philosophers since the age of the ‘Enlightenment.’ Many of the different arguments put forth and analysed though, have not adequately proven God’s existence. Although in order to move forward, failed arguments must be studied to ensure that mistakes are not repeated. One such argument is the Ontological Argument. This argument was first recorded by St. Anslem (1033-1109). Descartes adapts this argument in the fifth meditation in ‘Meditations on First Philosophy.’ He first establishes that whenever he thinks about a triangle, there are certain properties that must be present in order for the form to be a triangle. Further â€Å"even if perhaps no such figure†¦show more content†¦Since no such island actually exists, Gaunilo concludes, therefore, that the argument does not prove God’s existence. However, Descartes addressed Gaunilo’s objection stating simply that whilst an island is a contrived thought, his ‘triangle’ is not. The properties of triangles can be obvious and discoverable truths; they can be proven despite the thinker. On the other hand, the perfect island may vary, based on the thoughts of different people. Thus, to link God with thoughts of an island is flawed (Cardinal, et al, 2005). Another philosopher, Charles Hartshorne held that an island was a contingent entity that can endure termination by nature. God is a necessary as he is unaffected by nature. Thus, the two entities fail to relate to each other adequately. (Grim, 1983) As the weakest of the objections, Gaunilo does appear to have missed the point of the Ontological Argument. He mistakenly likens his island to ‘God’ when, this is rather more akin to Descartes triangle or, more so, his mountain and valley. An island needs to be completely surrounded by water in order to be called an island, just as every mountain must have a valley. To remove these properties will remove something meaningful from these entities; Descartes claims existence is an essential attribute of God. However, the crux ofShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Ontological Argument for the Existence of God1545 Words   |  7 PagesThe Ontological Argument for the Existence of God The ontological argument is an a priori argument. The arguments attempt to prove Gods existence from the meaning of the word God. The ontological argument was introduced by Anselm of Canterbury in his book Proslogion. Anselms classical argument was based on two principals and the two most involved in this is St Anselm of Canterbury as previously mentioned and Rene Descartes. The ontological argument argues thatRead MoreDescartes Meditations On First Philosophy1712 Words   |  7 Pagesattempts to prove the existence of God. 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