Steff: Sophi, in our article about Anselm of Canterbury there is a mention of his Ontological Argument. What exactly is Ontology?
Sophi: Okay, I’ll explain… Ontology, in philosophy, is the study of the nature of being, existence, or reality in general, as well as the basic categories of being and their relations. It delves into the fundamental structure of reality, questioning what entities exist and how such entities can be grouped, related within a hierarchy, and subdivided according to similarities and differences. In essence, ontology seeks to understand the framework of reality and the nature of ‘what is’.
Steff: Thanks. So expand on the philosopher, Anselm’s Ontological Argument please.
Sophi: Sure…
Unpacking Anselm’s Ontological Argument
A Leap of Logic: God’s Existence in Thought and Reality Have you ever considered the possibility that simply thinking about something in a certain way could prove its existence? Welcome to the world of Anselm of Canterbury, a medieval philosopher who took us on a fascinating intellectual journey with his Ontological Argument. This argument, a dazzling piece of logic, attempts to prove the existence of God through the power of thought alone.
The Argument’s Core: A Definition Transcending Thought
Anselm starts with a definition of God as “that than which nothing greater can be conceived.” It’s a fancy way of saying God is the greatest possible being one can imagine. Now, here comes the intriguing part: if you can conceive of such a being, Anselm argues, it must exist not only in your mind but also in reality. Why? Because a being that exists in reality is greater than one that exists only in the mind.
The Thought Experiment: A Mental Challenge
Let’s try a thought experiment, just as Anselm would have liked. Imagine the greatest possible island, filled with unimaginable riches and wonders. Even if this island exists only in your mind, it’s still not the greatest conceivable island, because an island that exists in reality would be greater. Apply this logic to the concept of God: if God exists only as an idea, then He isn’t the greatest conceivable being, since a real God would be greater.
The Critics and Supporters: A Philosophical Debate
This argument has been a philosophical hot potato, tossed around through centuries. Critics like Immanuel Kant argued that existence isn’t a property or quality that makes something greater. Others, inspired by Anselm’s logic, have found it a compelling proof of God’s existence. It’s a debate that stretches the limits of our understanding of existence, belief, and the very nature of reality.
Food for Thought: Philosophy’s Enduring Challenge
Whether you find the Ontological Argument convincing or not, it’s a fascinating example of how philosophy challenges us to explore complex ideas in new ways. It reminds us that sometimes, the journey through a maze of logic can be as enlightening as the destination itself.
Steff: Thanks Sophi. Now how about some links for further reading please.
Sophi: Go check out the blog post about Anselm of Canterbury. There are some links at the end of that article.
You might be interested in exploring the concept of Ontology further. Speaking of Ontology, you might be interested in the Wikipedia article on Ontology. This article delves into the nature of being, existence, and reality, providing a deeper understanding of the fundamental structure of reality and the nature of ‘what is’. Additionally, if you want to learn more about Anselm of Canterbury and his Ontological Argument, you can check out the Wikipedia article on Anselm of Canterbury. It offers insights into his philosophical contributions and
