Anselm
Proslogion
Essay 4

Essays must be handed in by the deadline announced unless an extension has been obtained from me. Extensions are given only in exceptional circumstances.

Students are reminded that they are not to present the work of an author or of another student as their own although they are encouraged to discuss their work with others in the course. Essays should be a minimum of 3 pages, double spaced, typewritten (not handwritten) and should be checked thoroughly for punctuation, spelling and grammatical errors. More than one or two errors will result in a reduced grade. Essays should develop a structured argument that critically evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each position considered and your answer should demonstrate a thoughtful and careful use of the relevant set reading material for that topic/problem. Critically evaluating a position entails identifying and challenging assumptions and exploring different ways of thinking through to a tentative solution by using justifying arguments.

Choose one of the following:

1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Anselm’s ontological argument for the existence of God. Does the argument ‘prove’ the existence of God?

2. Summarize and critique both Gaunilo’s reply to the ontological argument and Anselm’s rejoinder. What should we conclude about the ontological argument?