Cosmological Argument of Anselm

Q: Cosmological Argument of Anselm

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The cosmological argument, while often associated with Thomas Aquinas, can also be linked to Anselm of Canterbury, particularly through his formulation of the ontological argument. However, it’s important to clarify that Anselm did not develop a cosmological argument in the same way Aquinas did. Instead, Anselm’s contributions primarily revolve around the existence of God and His nature. Here, we can examine Anselm’s ideas and how they relate to the broader cosmological discussion.

Anselm’s Argument for the Existence of God

Anselm is best known for his ontological argument for the existence of God, presented in his work Proslogion. This argument is rooted in the definition of God as “that than which nothing greater can be conceived.” Anselm’s approach is more deductive than the typical cosmological argument, which often relies on empirical observations about the universe.

Key Features of Anselm’s Thought

  1. Definition of God: Anselm begins with a specific definition of God as the greatest conceivable being. According to Anselm, if we can conceive of such a being, it must exist in reality; otherwise, it would not be the greatest conceivable being, as existing in reality is a greater attribute than existing solely in the mind.
  2. Existence in Reality: Anselm argues that if God exists only in the mind, then a greater being (one that exists in reality) can be conceived. Therefore, God must exist in reality as well as in the understanding.
  3. A Priori Argument: Anselm’s argument is considered a priori, meaning it does not rely on observation of the physical world but rather on logical reasoning and the nature of existence itself.

Relationship to the Cosmological Argument

While Anselm’s argument is not a cosmological argument in the traditional sense, there are connections:

  1. Cause and Existence: The cosmological argument generally posits that everything that exists has a cause, leading to the conclusion that there must be an uncaused cause (God). Anselm’s argument, while not explicitly about causation, ultimately leads to the necessity of God as the fundamental basis of existence.
  2. Existence of the Universe: Both Anselm’s ontological argument and the cosmological argument deal with the existence of God, but from different angles. The cosmological argument looks at the universe’s existence and seeks to find a cause, while Anselm’s argument focuses on the definition of God as an inherent necessity.
  3. Philosophical Implications: Both arguments address the question of why there is something rather than nothing. Anselm’s ontological argument implies that God is the necessary being that must exist to account for the existence of anything at all, which can be seen as complementing the cosmological argument’s exploration of causality.

Conclusion

In summary, while Anselm’s work is not classified as a cosmological argument in the same way as Aquinas’s, his ontological argument profoundly impacts discussions about the existence of God. Anselm’s focus on the definition of God as the greatest conceivable being leads to a necessary conclusion about God’s existence, which can be viewed in relation to cosmological considerations about causation and the nature of existence. Together, these arguments contribute to the rich tapestry of philosophical theology and the inquiry into the nature of divinity and existence.

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