Argument Quote by Douglas N. Walton
““1. God is (by definition) a being than which no greater being can be thought. 2. Greatness includes greatness of virtue. 3. Therefore, God is a being than which no being could be more virtuous. 4. But virtue involves overcoming pains and dangers. 5. Indeed, a being can only be properly said to be virtuous if it can suffer pain or be destroyed. 6. A God that can suffer pain or is destructible is not one than which no greater being can be thought. 7.For you can think of a greater being, that is, one that is nonsuffering and indestructible. 8. Therefore, God does not exist.””
About This Quote
An argument claims that because God must be the greatest being, and greatness includes virtue, yet virtue requires suffering, a suffering God cannot be the greatest, thus God does not exist.
In simple terms: If God must be the greatest and suffering is needed for virtue, God cannot exist.
Key Takeaway
Question premises about divine perfection.
Themes
philosophy
theology
logic
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
Argument:1
Argumentation:1
Infinite:0
Logic:1
Overcoming pain:0
Reasoning:1
Sound:0
Valid:0
God Definition:1
Virtue God:0
God Virtuous:0
Indestructible God:0
Greatness Virtue:0
When to use this quote
- debate
- academic study
Key Concepts
ontological argument
concept of suffering
Questions to Reflect On
- Is virtue possible without suffering?
- Can greatness be defined differently?
A Different Perspective
Assumes suffering is necessary for virtue.
