TERMS • “Maximal greatness” exists in any being who possesses these properties in EVERY possible world. “Maximal greatness” is the same as saying “greatest conceivable being.” • “Possible Worlds” refers to various descriptions of reality that could conceivably or potentially exist. Each description is comprised of a set of propositions. Propositions must be true and must not conflict with one … Read More
Ontology (Part 2) – The Ontological Argument: Is It Possible That A “Maximally Great Being” Actually Does Exist? (for those interested in philosophy/theology)
ONTOLOGICAL CONCEPTS THE ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT FOR GOD’S EXISTENCE Now that we understand the concepts of a “possible world” and a “maximally great being,” let’s examine the ontological argument: PREMISE 1 OF THE ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT It is an interesting fact that premises 2 through 5 are not very controversial, but premise 1 is where the controversy resides. If you can make … Read More
Ontology (Part 1) – The Ontological Argument: “Possible Worlds” And A “Maximally Great Being”
ANSELM In the 1,000s AD, Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, England used natural theology in an attempt to prove the existence of God. Using an ontological approach, Anselm began with the concept of God as the “greatest conceivable being.” Anselm believed that once people understood the concept of God, they would realize that such a being must exist and so recognize … Read More