It is possible to conceive, Anselm said, of a being than…
““It is possible to conceive, Anselm said, of a being than which nothing greater can be conceived. Even an atheist can conceive of such a superlative being, though he would deny its existence in the real world. But, goes the argument, a being that doesn't exist in the real world is, by that very fact, less than perfect. Therefore we have a contradiction and, hey presto, God exists!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
An argument that defining God as the greatest conceivable being leads to a logical contradiction, implying God's non‑existence
In simple terms: Defining God as the greatest possible being creates a paradox
Key Takeaway
Question definitions that lead to contradictions
Themes
philosophy
theology
logic
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- Debates on existence
- philosophical essays
- academic discussions
Key Concepts
ontological argument
paradox
atheism
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions underlie the argument?
- Can alternative definitions resolve the paradox?
A Different Perspective
Relies on specific definitions that may be contested