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

See Examples For:

ontological argument

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

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 John Miller Dow Meiklejohn

Anselm's great achievement in philosophy was his ontological argument for the existence of God; and his importance in the ecclesiastical history of England cannot be exaggerated.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 2 Amiel to Atrauli by Various

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

From Creative Evolution by Arthur Mitchell