Language-Games and the Ontological Argument

‘Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.'—Hume, Treatise, I, iv, 7.Several years have elapsed since Professor Malcolm's astonishing revival of St Anselm's ontological argument (s). The first shock-wave of criticism has likewise pa...

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Published in:Religious studies
Main Author: Henze, Donald F. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Cambridge Univ. Press [1968]
In: Religious studies
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
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Summary:‘Generally speaking, the errors in religion are dangerous; those in philosophy only ridiculous.'—Hume, Treatise, I, iv, 7.Several years have elapsed since Professor Malcolm's astonishing revival of St Anselm's ontological argument (s). The first shock-wave of criticism has likewise passed, having been absorbed by now into the bound volumes of the periodical literature. This note is not intended to add much weight to the common conclusion of that impressive body of criticism, for, though interesting and important logical issues remain to be discussed in connection with the ontological argument, there can be little doubt that it fails as a demonstration of God's existence. Nevertheless, there is one move made by Malcolm in his determined defence of Anselm which may have had unfortunate repercussions far beyond the reaches of philosophical theology. Perhaps a discussion of this one step in the argument will help to dispel some erroneous impressions.
ISSN:1469-901X
Contains:Enthalten in: Religious studies
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1017/S0034412500003449