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

They have such high-sounding names—the ontological argument, the cosmological, the physico-theological—that almost in spite of ourselves we bring a reverential mood to them.

From An Outline of the History of Christian Thought Since Kant by Moore, Edward Caldwell

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

If the famous ontological argument for the being of God has been refuted, we shall not, on that account, tremble for the ark.

From The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews by Edwards, Thomas Charles