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

Crash Course Philosophy: Understanding Religion

Introduction to Philosophy of Religion

• Crash Course Philosophy is introduced, emphasizing the importance of discussing religion.

• The distinction between theology and philosophy of religion is clarified; theology assumes God's existence while philosophy questions all beliefs, including atheism.

• Philosophers reject faith as a valid argument, highlighting that unprovable beliefs lack philosophical value.

Importance of Examining Religious Beliefs

• Both theists and atheists are encouraged to justify their beliefs due to the significant influence of religion on history.

• Personal upbringing does not validate religious truth; if it did, every belief would be equally true or false.

Scope of Philosophy of Religion

• The study does not focus on biblical texts alone; external evidence is necessary for validating claims about religious truths.

• It also excludes related fields like anthropology or sociology, concentrating instead on arguments supporting God's existence.

Anselm's Ontological Argument

• Anselm of Canterbury proposed a deductive argument for God's existence based on his definition of God as "the greatest conceivable being."

• Anselm argues that God must exist in reality because existing in reality is greater than existing only in imagination.

Implications and Critiques of Anselm's Argument

• The argument posits two forms of existence: imaginary (like unicorns) and real (like pizza), with real things being superior.

• If God exists only in our minds, He wouldn't be the greatest conceivable being since a real version would surpass an imaginary one.

• Thus, Anselm concludes that God must exist both in thought and reality, presenting a structured philosophical argument.

Gaunilo's Counterargument

Anselm's Ontological Argument and Its Critiques

The Best Island Argument

• Anselm's idea of the perfect island is introduced, where one can swim on a tropical beach and ski down mountains in one afternoon. This thought experiment suggests that if such an island can be imagined, it must exist; otherwise, it wouldn't be the best.

• Gaunilo critiques this argument by stating that similar reasoning could be used to claim the existence of anything desired, which does not necessarily make it real.

Anselm's Response to Gaunilo

• Anselm counters Gaunilo’s criticism by asserting that his argument applies only to necessary beings, specifically God. He claims there is only one necessary being – God.

• The fallacy of begging the question is identified; this occurs when an argument assumes what it aims to prove. Anselm’s definition of God includes His existence as a necessary condition.

Kant's Objection

• Immanuel Kant challenges Anselm’s argument by stating “existence is not a predicate.” He argues that existence cannot define or add characteristics to an object.

• Kant explains that while predicates describe essential qualities (e.g., a triangle having three sides), they do not confirm existence itself.

The Parable of The Invisible Gardener

• British philosopher John Wisdom presents a thought exercise called "The Parable of The Invisible Gardener," illustrating debates over God's existence through two characters discussing an undetectable gardener.

• Person A believes in an invisible gardener tending their garden, while Person B questions the difference between an invisible gardener and no gardener at all.

Historical Context and Conclusion

• Wisdom's parable highlights ongoing philosophical discussions about God's existence nearly 1000 years after Anselm and Gaunilo.

• Both Gaunilo and Kant agree with Anselm’s conclusion regarding God's existence but argue against his reasoning. They suggest seeking stronger arguments for belief in God.