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Philosophy of ReligionPhilosophy of Religion(morality is impossible)(morality is impossible)
Mainly Christianity, but also applicable to otherMainly Christianity, but also applicable to othermonotheistic religions that postulate themonotheistic religions that postulate theexistence of a single creator who isexistence of a single creator who isomnipotent, omniscient, and morally perfectomnipotent, omniscient, and morally perfect
Ontological ArgumentOntological Argument
Argument from DesignArgument from Design
Problem of EvilProblem of Evil
Argument from FreewillArgument from Freewill
Pascal’s WagerPascal’s Wager
Argument from MiraclesArgument from Miracles
AtonementAtonement
HomoiousionHomoiousion
Anselm’s OntologicalAnselm’s OntologicalArgumentArgument
Non-empirical argument:Non-empirical argument:
1)1)
It is conceptually true that God is a beingIt is conceptually true that God is a beingthan which none greater can be imaginedthan which none greater can be imagined
2)2)
It is greater for God to exist in reality andIt is greater for God to exist in reality andconceptually than for him to existconceptually than for him to existconceptuallyconceptually
3)3)
Therefore God exists in reality Therefore God exists in realityAssumption: existence in reality is aAssumption: existence in reality is anecessary part of greatness/perfectionnecessary part of greatness/perfection
Critiques of Anselm ICritiques of Anselm I
1)1)
Why is existence in reality greater thanWhy is existence in reality greater thanexistence conceptually? Giving ontologicalexistence conceptually? Giving ontologicalsuperiority to materialism rather thansuperiority to materialism rather thanidealism – Western dualistic thinkingidealism – Western dualistic thinking
2)2)
Kant: greatness/perfection is an ontologicalKant: greatness/perfection is an ontologicalproperty, but existence is not. Existenceproperty, but existence is not. Existencemust precede essence!must precede essence!E.g. This apple would be better if it isE.g. This apple would be better if it issweet than it is not. But does this meansweet than it is not. But does this meanthat this apple would be better if it existsthat this apple would be better if it existsin reality than it doesn’t? Meeting the ‘realin reality than it doesn’t? Meeting the ‘realthing’ is sometimes disappointing.thing’ is sometimes disappointing.
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