In This Reading We Encounter St

question 8

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.
-Rowe says we may examine and analyze the idea of a unicorn, but it is only by our experience of the world that we can determine that such a thing exists.

---

Definitions:

Racial Segregation

The enforced separation of different racial groups within a country, community, or establishment, often resulting in discriminatory practices.

Civil War Amendments

Refers to the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery, granted citizenship rights, and protected voting rights regardless of race, respectively.

Due Process

A fundamental principle in the justice system that guarantees fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially a citizen's entitlement to notice of a charge and a hearing before any governmental deprivation of life, liberty, or property.

Plessy v. Ferguson

A landmark 1896 U.S. Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.