In This Reading We Encounter St

question 6

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 that Anselm's argument is an indirect proof of the existence of God.

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Definitions:

Prevailing Winds

Winds that blow predominantly from a single general direction over a particular point on the Earth's surface.

Atmospheric Solar Heating

The process by which the Sun's energy warms the Earth's atmosphere and surface, influencing climate and weather patterns.

Storm Surge

A local rise in the level of a sea or a lake during a hurricane or other storm.

High Atmospheric Pressure

A condition where the air pressure is higher than the surrounding area, often leading to clear skies and calm weather conditions.