Philosophy: Kant's Predicate of Existence Quiz

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Questions and Answers

In a deductive argument, what is the purpose of accepting the premises as true?

To draw specific conclusions that cannot be denied (correct)

To question the validity of the conclusions

To challenge the reasoning process

To introduce empirical evidence to support the argument

What is the term used for knowledge gained without any prior empirical evidence?

Empirical knowledge

A-posteriori knowledge

A-priori knowledge (correct)

Inductive knowledge

In the given example of accepting the right syllabus, what type of knowledge is being demonstrated?

Inductive knowledge

A-priori knowledge (correct)

Empirical knowledge

A-posteriori knowledge

According to Anselm's ontological argument, what is the premise about the nature of God?

God is 'That Than Which Nothing Greater Can Be Conceived' Signup and view all the answers

In Anselm's ontological argument, what does he compare the existence of God to in order to illustrate its 'reality'?

A cream bun Signup and view all the answers

What is Anselm's argument regarding the 'greatest' form of God's existence?

It is greater for God to exist in reality and the mind than only in the mind/imagination Signup and view all the answers

According to Malcolm's argument, why is the existence of God considered 'necessary'?

Because God is not dependent on anything else for His existence, and nothing can make Him cease to exist, so there are no limits on Him. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Malcolm argue that if God doesn't exist, His existence would be impossible?

Because nothing can bring God into existence in the future without limiting Him, and as an unlimited being, He cannot be limited. Signup and view all the answers

How does Malcolm justify that God is either 'necessary' or 'completely impossible'?

By arguing that the concept of God's existence is not self-contradictory and does not lead to any absurd conclusions, making it necessary. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant’s criticism, why cannot one of the predicates/essences of a supremely perfect being be existence?

Existence is not a predicate of anything, as it does not alter the nature of something whether it exists or not. Signup and view all the answers

How does Kant criticize the definitions of the nature of God put forth by Anselm, Descartes, and Malcolm?

He argues that their definitions need to be empirically proven, but they failed to do so. Signup and view all the answers

What makes A-priori knowledge, as used in the ontological argument, stronger than A-posteriori knowledge according to the text?

A-priori knowledge is based on unemotional logic and cannot be swayed by subjective influences. Signup and view all the answers

According to Descartes, what is one of the predicates/essences of a supremely perfect being?

Infinite existence Signup and view all the answers

Based on Malcolm's definition of God, why cannot God have a shape?

It limits God by defining outer boundaries Signup and view all the answers

How does Descartes' argument differ from Malcolm's Ontological Argument?

Descartes focuses on the nature of God, while Malcolm focuses on the existence of God Signup and view all the answers

According to Anselm's ontological argument, why must God exist in reality?

Because God is the greatest and therefore must exist in reality. Signup and view all the answers

What was Anselm's additional goal, besides proving the existence of God, in his ontological argument?

To demonstrate that God is a necessary being. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rene Descartes' ontological argument revolve around?

The idea that a supremely perfect being possesses every attribute in its perfect state. Signup and view all the answers

According to Gaunilo, why is Anselm's ontological argument deductively/logically ridiculous?

Because it claims that anything described from the mind as the greatest must also exist in reality, which Gaunilo argues is absurd. Signup and view all the answers

How did Anselm respond to Gaunilo's criticism related to the greatest island?

By asserting that his argument only applies to God and not to anything else, such as an island. Signup and view all the answers

What was Immanuel Kant's criticism of Descartes' ontological argument?

Existence is not a predicate/essence of anything. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of knowledge is considered to be open to error due to the possibility of our senses deceiving us?

A-posteriori knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher provided an example to demonstrate the absurdity of a-priori knowledge?

Bertrand Russell Signup and view all the answers

Which attribute does the God of classical theism, as associated with major western based religions, NOT possess?

Polytheism Signup and view all the answers

Why would single definitions of God fail in Hinduism?

Because Hinduism believes in multiple gods with varied attributes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Deductive Arguments

Accepting the premises as true allows for the logical deduction of conclusions.

Types of Knowledge

A-priori knowledge is gained without any prior empirical evidence.
A-posteriori knowledge is open to error due to the possibility of our senses deceiving us.

Anselm's Ontological Argument

According to Anselm, God's existence is a necessary predicate of a supremely perfect being.
Anselm compares the existence of God to a perfect island, illustrating its 'reality'.
Anselm argues that God exists both in the understanding and in reality.
Anselm's additional goal was to demonstrate the rationality of faith.

Criticisms of Anselm's Argument

Gaunilo argued that Anselm's ontological argument is deductively/logically ridiculous.
Anselm responded to Gaunilo's criticism by stating that the greatest island is a concept, not a reality.

Malcolm's Argument

According to Malcolm, God's existence is necessary because it is impossible for God not to exist.
Malcolm argues that if God doesn't exist, His existence would be impossible, making His existence necessary.
Malcolm justifies that God is either necessary or completely impossible.

Kant's Criticism

Kant criticizes Anselm, Descartes, and Malcolm's definitions of God by stating that existence cannot be a predicate of a supremely perfect being.
Kant argues that A-priori knowledge is stronger than A-posteriori knowledge.

Descartes' Argument

Descartes argues that existence is one of the predicates/essences of a supremely perfect being.
Descartes' argument differs from Malcolm's in its approach to the ontological argument.

Classical Theism

The God of classical theism, as associated with major Western-based religions, possesses all attributes except shape.
Single definitions of God fail in Hinduism due to the diverse nature of Hindu deities.

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Test your understanding of Kant's concept of predicates of existence and their relationship with the nature of objects. Explore examples like triangles and unicorns to grasp the philosophical ideas.