ontological argument
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.
Origin of ontological argument
1- Also called ontological proof .
Words Nearby ontological argument
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use ontological argument in a sentence
If the famous ontological argument for the being of God has been refuted, we shall not, on that account, tremble for the ark.
The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews | Thomas Charles EdwardsThus the argument from causation throws us back on the so-called ontological argument, whose futility has already been shown.
History of Modern Philosophy | Alfred William BennAre you not mocking me and deceiving yourself with the old ontological argument?
Creative Intelligence | John Dewey, Addison W. Moore, Harold Chapman Brown, George H. Mead, Boyd H. Bode, Henry Waldgrave, Stuart James, Hayden Tufts, Horace M. KallenKant has put this point in clear light in his criticism of the ontological argument.
Creative Evolution | Henri BergsonStewart had spoken doubtfully of the ontological argument for theology.
The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3) | Leslie Stephen
British Dictionary definitions for ontological argument
the traditional a priori argument for the existence of God on the grounds that the concept itself necessitates existence: Compare cosmological argument, teleological argument
any analogous argument from the nature of some concept to the existence of whatever instantiates it
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse