Anselm & the Argument for God: Crash Course Philosophy #9

CrashCourse10 minutes read

The philosophy of religion challenges religious beliefs, requiring evidence and justification, separate from blindly following tradition or scripture. Anselm of Canterbury's ontological argument for God's existence was critiqued by Gaunilo and Kant, highlighting the necessity for stronger arguments in religious philosophy.

Insights

  • The philosophy of religion requires arguments and evidence for religious beliefs, distinct from blindly following teachings or seeking proof in texts like the Bible.
  • Anselm of Canterbury's ontological argument, while defining God as the greatest conceivable being, faced critique from Gaunilo and Kant, highlighting the necessity for robust arguments to support religious beliefs.

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Recent questions

  • What is the philosophy of religion?

    The philosophy of religion involves examining religious beliefs through arguments and evidence, distinct from theology.

  • Who proposed the ontological argument for God's existence?

    Anselm of Canterbury proposed the ontological argument, defining God as the greatest conceivable being.

  • How did Gaunilo critique Anselm's argument?

    Gaunilo critiqued Anselm's argument by stating that the same logic could prove the existence of anything imagined, not just God.

  • What was Immanuel Kant's objection to Anselm's argument?

    Immanuel Kant objected to Anselm's argument by stating that existence cannot be a defining characteristic or predicate.

  • What does John Wisdom's Parable of The Invisible Gardener question?

    John Wisdom's Parable of The Invisible Gardener questions the validity of arguments for God's existence, emphasizing the need for stronger arguments.

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Summary

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Philosophy of Religion: Challenging Beliefs, Seeking Evidence

  • The philosophy of religion is distinct from theology as it does not assume the existence of God and requires arguments for religious beliefs.
  • Philosophers challenge all beliefs, including religious ones, and demand evidence and justification.
  • The philosophy of religion does not involve blindly following parental teachings or studying the Bible for proof of its truth.
  • Anselm of Canterbury proposed an ontological argument for God's existence, defining God as the greatest conceivable being.
  • Anselm's argument was critiqued by Gaunilo, who argued that the same logic could prove the existence of anything imagined.
  • Immanuel Kant objected to Anselm's argument, stating that existence cannot be a defining characteristic or predicate.
  • John Wisdom's Parable of The Invisible Gardener questions the validity of arguments for God's existence.
  • Gaunilo and Kant, while believing in God, did not find Anselm's argument convincing, emphasizing the need for stronger arguments to support beliefs.
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