Introduction to Philosophy/Philosophy of Religion: St. Anselm's Argument for the Existence of God

Hi friends!

After exploring some of the definitional aspect of the question of God we move on to the realist question: Does God Actually Exist?

Here is a fascinating and ancient argument for the Existence of God we owe to St. Anselm. It is fascinating in its simplicity and the deep questions it ultimately raises that take us far from the direct question of whether God exists.

The argument, in its basic form, is this,

Premise 1) God is the greatest possible being.

Premise 2) It is greater to actually exist than not to; that is, to be just a mere idea.

Conclusion) God must exist.

Well, we're in for a good time! And notice, this can get you free beer, free lunch, free almost anything. You just have to trick the other person into the following bet: I bet you I can prove God exists in 3 lines. People will fall for it.

This does Not mean the argument actually does that. What it does mean is you can win that bet of the fly.

Cheers~

Dr. Lee Basham