Single Idea 1421

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

Full Idea

Anselm's second proof works, because he sees that necessary existence (or the impossibility of non-existence) really is a perfection. This is because a perfection requires no dependence or limit or impediment.

Gist of Idea

A perfection must be independent and unlimited, and the necessary existence of Anselm's second proof gives this

Source

comment on Anselm (Proslogion [1090], Ch 3) by Norman Malcolm - Anselm's Argument Sect II

Book Reference

'The Existence of God', ed/tr. Hick,John [Macmillan 1964], p.54


A Reaction

I have the usual problem, that it doesn't seem to follow that the perfect existence of something bestows a perfection. It may be necessary that 'for every large animal there exists a disease'. Satan may exist necessarily.