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

Kant has put this point in clear light in his criticism of the ontological argument.

From Creative Evolution by Mitchell, Arthur

IV.—Criticism of the Chief Arguments for the Existence of God The ontological argument aims at asserting the possibility of conceiving the idea of an ens realissimum, of being possessed of all reality.

From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 14 — Philosophy and Economics by Hammerton, John Alexander, Sir

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