Single Idea 6072

[catalogued under 28. God / B. Proving God / 2. Proofs of Reason / b. Ontological Proof critique]

Full Idea

Satan cannot exist because he is the most imperfect conceivable being, and existence is one of the perfections.

Gist of Idea

If Satan is the most imperfect conceivable being, he must have non-existence

Source

Colin McGinn (Logical Properties [2000], Ch.2)

Book Reference

McGinn,Colin: 'Logical Properties' [OUP 2003], p.49


A Reaction

The logic of this seems right to me. Presumably the theologians would hastily deny this as a definition of Satan; he must have some positive qualities (like power) in order to enact his supreme moral imperfections. NIce, though.