ontological argument

American  

noun

Philosophy.

1. an a priori argument for the existence of God, asserting that as existence is a perfection, and as God is conceived of as the most perfect being, it follows that God must exist; originated by Anselm, later used by Duns Scotus, Descartes, and Leibniz.

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ontological argument British  

noun

1. the traditional a priori argument for the existence of God on the grounds that the concept itself necessitates existence Compare cosmological argument teleological argument

2. any analogous argument from the nature of some concept to the existence of whatever instantiates it

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Etymology

Origin of ontological argument

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Explain Anselm’s ontological argument for the existence of God.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

In addition to their hypothetical argument, the Congress also made an ontological argument.

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2011

In stating the ontological argument the term perfection has been expressly emphasized, because it may be taken to embrace both truth and goodness.

From The Approach to Philosophy by Perry, Ralph Barton

Stop there," I cried; "why that is the ontological argument of St. Anselm, adopted afterwards by a soldier philosopher like yourself, called Descartes.

From My New Curate by Sheehan, Patrick Augustine

Thus arose that unfortunate ontological argument, which neither satisfies the healthy common sense of humanity, nor sustains the scientific examination of the philosopher.

From The Critique of Pure Reason by Meiklejohn, John Miller Dow