In This Reading We Encounter St

question 10

True/False

In this reading we encounter St. Anselm's ontological argument for the existence of God and Gaunilo's reply. The argument goes like this: God is by definition "a being than which nothing greater can be conceived." If God, the greatest being that can be conceived, exists only in our minds, then there must be a being greater than God-that is, a God that exists in reality (an existing being is greater than an imaginary one). But this leads to a contradiction: A being greater than God is impossible. Therefore, God must exist in reality (as well as in the mind). Gaunilo replies that if Anselm's reasoning were sound, we could prove something ridiculous-namely, that the greatest island possible exists in reality.
-Gaunilo demonstrates that Anselm's argument is sound.

---

Definitions:

Accumulate

The process of gathering or amassing items, such as profits, expenses, or information, over a period of time.

Present Value

The present worth of a future amount of money or series of cash flows, taking into account a certain rate of return.

Annuity

An economic product that delivers a constant payment stream to an individual, mainly used as a means of livelihood for people who are retired.

Concept

A general idea or understanding that serves as a foundation for developing theories, experiments, or innovations.