PHIL 2003 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Reductio Ad Absurdum, Logical Possibility

• School: University of Arkansas
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHIL 2003
• Professor: Bobby Howard

Document Summary

Anselm"s argument: god is something than which nothing greater can be thought (gpb), even the fool must concede that god, at the very least, exists in the understanding- for what is understood exists in the understanding. Trying to prove that it is necessary for god to exist. Thinks another great making attribute is this property makes you impossible for people to know you exists. He is saying that because we have to believe god exists in reality because we understand him as the gpb. Great attribute to have existence, therefore the gpb must exist, making god have to exist. Reductio ad absurdum: p, q, p implies not q, q cannot exists, either p is false or the relation between p and q is false. God"s existence is not only possible, but necessary. Seems to be something you have to have to have any other great making attribute. Does not have to be physical existence, simply an abstract existence.