The Ontological Argument: A Successful Rhetoric for the Already Convincsed

The Ontological Argument, often attributed to Saint Anselm of Canterbury, claims that the idea of a ‘greatest possible being’ necessarily implies the existence of such a being in reality. While the argument is respected in philosophical discourse and continues to be debated among theologians and philosophers, its practical success in convincing non-believers remains highly questionable. This article explores the merits and limitations of the Ontological Argument, analyzing its effectiveness and the impact it has on believers and non-believers alike.

Introduction to the Ontological Argument

The Ontological Argument is rooted in the premise that the existence of the greatest possible being is logically necessary. Saint Anselm argued that, by definition, a ‘being than which no greater can be conceived’ must exist in reality to be truly the greatest possible being. This argument, and its various formulations, aim to establish the existence of God through abstract reasoning rather than empirical evidence.

Success in Persuading the Convincsed

The Ontological Argument is undoubtedly successful in convincing those who already have a predisposition to believe in a supreme being. For such individuals, the argument provides a satisfying logical framework that supports their existing worldview. As Sidney Morgenbesser famously quipped, while a man once told him about an argument proving the existence of God, Morgenbesser replied, “Ah yes, but can you get Jews to believe in Jesus and get Catholics to believe in Allah?” Much like this exchange suggests, the argument is often more about reinforcing existing beliefs rather than converting non-believers.

Failure to Convince the Unconvinced

For those who do not already believe in a supreme being, the Ontological Argument falls short in several critical ways. The concept of a 'maximally great being' is inherently abstract and not easily defined. Many skeptics argue that the term 'maximally great' is too vague and lacks substantive meaning. In a similar vein, evolution and natural selection provide a compelling example of how the concept of 'evolution' is typically misunderstood. Just as humans might be highly evolved for their specific ecological niche, the idea of a 'maximally great being' raises similar questions about what such a being is 'great' in relation to.

The Ontological Argument's reliance on abstract logical reasoning also means it fails to address empirical evidence or observable phenomena. For instance, the existence of a quantum vacuum state, which is scientifically proven to exist and play a fundamental role in the universe, offers a more tangible explanation for the origins of the universe than the idea of a non-spatial, non-temporal, and disembodied mind. Occam’s Razor, the principle that the simplest explanation is often the correct one, further supports this alternative view.

Criticisms and Counterarguments

The most common criticism of the Ontological Argument is that it is an a priori logical construct and not grounded in empirical evidence. Critics argue that while it may be logically valid, it does not provide a sufficient basis for establishing actual existence. A frequent response to the argument is that you can't “argue God into existence.” This highlights the fundamental flaw in relying on abstract logic alone to prove the existence of a being who is fundamentally beyond the realm of human understanding and senses.

Conclusion: Practical Limitations of the Ontological Argument

In conclusion, while the Ontological Argument is a powerful tool in persuasive discourse for those who are already predisposed to believe in a supreme being, it is remarkably ineffective in converting non-believers. The argument’s reliance on abstract reasoning and its failure to address empirical evidence and observable phenomena renders it a weak argument for convincing a broader audience. For practical purposes, while the Ontological Argument may provide intellectual satisfaction to believers, it falls short as a convincing assertion to the skeptical and the non-believer.

Related Keywords

Ontological Argument Existence of God Logical Proof Christianity Quantum Vacuum State

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