PHL101Y1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Marmoutier, Gaunilo Of Marmoutiers, Ontological Argument
On Behalf of the Fool
Author: Gaunilo or Marmoutiers (Benedictine monk)
This is a response to Anselm’s argument
If Anselm’s proof for the existence of a greatest conceivable being were sound, then we could
give a sound proof for the existence of a greatest island
We cannot give a sound proof of the existence of a greatest conceivable island
1. Description of Anselm’s argument in simpler terms
2. By this logic you could then say that all unreal things, exist in mind since if anyone
speaks about them I understand what they say
They have not provided any proof that that otherwise it would not be greater than everything.
Since all of these ontological arguments (perfect island, perfect baseball pitcher, etc) use the same logic,
they must all be unsound. All it proves is the flaws in the ontological argument.
Gaunilo’s ‘Lost Island’ argument
1. The Lost Island is that than which
no greater island can be conceived.
(Definition)
2. The Lost Island exists in the mind,
but not in reality. (Premise to be
reduced to absurdity)
3. Existence in reality is greater than
existence in the understanding
alone. (Premise)
4. It is conceivable that the Lost Island
exists in reality. (Premise)
5. It is conceivable that there is an
island greater than the Lost Island.
(Follows from 2, 3, and 4)
C. It is conceivable that there is an
island greater than that island than
which no greater island can be
conceived. (Follows from 1 and 5)
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
If anselm"s proof for the existence of a greatest conceivable being were sound, then we could give a sound proof for the existence of a greatest island. We cannot give a sound proof of the existence of a greatest conceivable island. 2. speaks about them i understand what they say. By this logic you could then say that all unreal things, exist in mind since if anyone. They have not provided any proof that that otherwise it would not be greater than everything. Since all of these ontological arguments (perfect island, perfect baseball pitcher, etc) use the same logic, they must all be unsound. All it proves is the flaws in the ontological argument. The lost island is that than which no greater island can be conceived. (definition) The lost island exists in the mind, but not in reality. (premise to be reduced to absurdity) Existence in reality is greater than existence in the understanding alone. (premise)
