In This Reading We Encounter St

question 3

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.
-Anselm's argument rests on ideas about the design of the world.

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Definitions:

Acetic Formic Anhydride

A mixed anhydride derived from acetic and formic acids, used in organic synthesis, particularly in acetylation reactions.

Methanol

A simple alcohol with the formula CH3OH, used as a solvent, antifreeze, fuel, and as feedstock for the production of chemicals.

Major Organic Products

Primary substances formed as a result of organic reactions, often the focus of synthesis goals.

Major Product

The compound that is formed in the greatest yield in a chemical reaction, as predicted by the reaction mechanism.