ontological argument

noun

, Philosophy.

1. an a priori argument for the existence of God, asserting that as existence is a perfection, and as God is conceived of as the most perfect being, it follows that God must exist; originated by Anselm, later used by Duns Scotus, Descartes, and Leibniz.

ontological argument

noun

1. the traditional a priori argument for the existence of God on the grounds that the concept itself necessitates existence Compare cosmological argument teleological argument
2. any analogous argument from the nature of some concept to the existence of whatever instantiates it

Word History and Origins

Origin of ontological argument¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

His critique of the cosmological argument confuses an implication with a presupposition, while his critique of the ontological argument makes an illegitimate move from distaste for a conclusion to its invalidity.

From Salon

Dawkins’s treatment of the famous ontological argument, first developed by St. Anselm of Canterbury in the eleventh century, is even less satisfactory.

From Salon

In addition to their hypothetical argument, the Congress also made an ontological argument.

From Slate

Anselm's great achievement in philosophy was his ontological argument for the existence of God; and his importance in the ecclesiastical history of England cannot be exaggerated.

From Project Gutenberg

We therefore turn naturally to his lectures on Evolution, wherein he treats the pal�ontological argument ex professo, and we find that his verdict is based upon a few selected instances, such as that of the reptilian birds already mentioned, which he considers favourable to Evolution, and one which he terms demonstrative,—namely that of the Horse.

From Project Gutenberg