1) This adds the idea that it is impossible for God not to exist – in other words, God is necessary.
2) It has been argued that his second argument was aimed at believers as a proof that existence in God is rational – to justify a belief in God.
Gaunilo’s response
Gaunilo was a contemporary of Anselm, he was a monk who rejected Anselm’s argument in ‘On Behalf of the fool’ using three arguments….
On Gossip – the fool could have all kinds of made up things in his head, gossip for instance is unreliable – how should he be able to discern what is true and what is not?
Think of some other examples you could include to demonstrate the point about the Perfect Island in an essay…
Plantinga – Islands are different to God – there could always be a more perfect Island - more dancing girls, more lush palm trees, twice the size, etc. – idea of a greatest possible island is incoherent. God on the other hand is maximally great – nothing greater is possible.
Homework
Use the info in this Powerpoint and the last to write an essay plan for ‘Explain Anselm’s ontological arguments…’ (25 marks).
Pick three main points and write out three paragraphs.
For next lesson
ANSELM’S ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT
Write your Outcome down into your notes
Learning Outcomes
All students will be able to explain ANSELM’S two arguments
(grade E & D)
MOST students will be able to assess ANSELM’S argument using Gaunilo’s critiques.
(grade C)
SOME students will be able to evaluate the Ontological argument using Gaunilo’s and Anselm’s arguments
