Ontological Argument: Exploring God's Existence through Logic

Question 1

Who first formulated the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

Anselm of Canterbury

Answer

Plato

Answer

René Descartes

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 2

Which of the following is a contemporary reformulation of the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

The Modal Ontological Argument

Answer

The Cosmological Argument

Answer

The Teleological Argument

Answer

The Argument from Religious Experience

Question 3

Who is credited with formulating the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

Anselm of Canterbury

Answer

Thomas Aquinas

Answer

René Descartes

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 4

What is the foundational concept upon which the Ontological Argument rests?

Accepted Answer

The concept of a perfect being

Answer

The concept of a spiritual being

Answer

The concept of a contingent being

Answer

The concept of a necessary being

Question 5

Which philosopher criticized the Ontological Argument, arguing that existence is not a perfection?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

René Descartes

Answer

Anselm of Canterbury

Answer

Thomas Aquinas

Question 6

How does the Ontological Argument differ from other common arguments for the existence of God?

Accepted Answer

It is based solely on reason and logical deduction, without relying on empirical evidence or experience.

Answer

It is primarily a historical argument, relying on ancient texts and traditions.

Answer

It appeals primarily to moral intuition and personal experiences.

Answer

It relies heavily on empirical evidence, such as the observation of the natural world.

Question 7

Which of the following is a contemporary reformulation of the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

The Modal Ontological Argument

Answer

The Cosmological Argument

Answer

The Teleological Argument

Answer

The Design Argument

Question 8

What is the significance of the Ontological Argument in the philosophy of religion?

Accepted Answer

It has stimulated philosophical debate about the nature of God's existence and the relationship between faith and reason.

Answer

It has provided irrefutable proof of God's existence, ending all debates on the matter.

Answer

It has discredited all other arguments for the existence of God, rendering them obsolete.

Answer

It has had no significant impact on the philosophy of religion, as it is considered a flawed and unconvincing argument.

Question 9

Concisely summarize the main line of reasoning in the Ontological Argument.

Accepted Answer

If God is conceived as a being with all perfections, and existence is a perfection, then God must necessarily exist.

Answer

If God is a necessary being, then God must exist.

Question 10

How does the Ontological Argument challenge the traditional view that existence is distinct from essence?

Accepted Answer

It argues that existence is an inherent property of any concept.

Answer

It claims that God's existence is logically impossible.

Answer

It provides empirical evidence for God's existence through rational reasoning.

Question 11

Who is considered the originator of the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

Anselm of Canterbury

Answer

Thomas Aquinas

Answer

René Descartes

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 12

What is the central premise of the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

If a being is conceived as perfect, it must possess all perfections, including existence.

Answer

A necessary being is a being that cannot not exist.

Answer

A supreme being must exist.

Question 13

What is the main criticism of the Ontological Argument based on the concept of modal logic?

Accepted Answer

It commits the fallacy of modal collapse by confusing possibility with actuality.

Answer

It cannot be tested empirically.

Answer

It relies on a priori reasoning.

Question 14

Which of the following is an advantage of the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

It relies on a priori reasoning, making it independent of empirical evidence.

Answer

It is simple to understand and defend.

Answer

It provides a definitive proof for the existence of God.

Answer

It has been universally accepted throughout history.

Question 15

Which of the following is a limitation of the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

It relies on a controversial premise that existence is a perfection.

Answer

It is too complex for most people to grasp.

Answer

It has been refuted by all major philosophers.

Answer

It is based on empirical evidence.

Question 16

What is the significance of the Ontological Argument in philosophical discourse?

Accepted Answer

It has stimulated centuries of discussions and debates about the nature of God and existence.

Answer

It has provided an irrefutable proof for the existence of God.

Answer

It has been completely discredited and is no longer studied.

Question 17

Which of the following is not a common objection to the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

It is based solely on religious faith.

Answer

It makes assumptions about the nature of God.

Answer

It involves circular reasoning.

Question 18

Who is the philosopher **most closely** associated with the formulation of the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

Anselm

Answer

Aquinas

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Kant

Question 19

Which of the following is a **modal fallacy** commonly found in arguments for the existence of God?

Accepted Answer

Confusing possibility with necessity

Answer

Straw man

Answer

Ad hominem

Answer

Begging the question

Question 20

According to the Ontological Argument, what is the ontological status of God?

Accepted Answer

Necessary being

Answer

Possible being

Answer

Contingent being

Answer

Probable being

Question 21

Which of the following is a **unique** strength of the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

It is a priori

Answer

It is empirical

Answer

It is universally accepted

Answer

It is based on consensus

Question 22

What is the key difference between Anselm's first and second formulations of the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

The second formulation uses a modal approach

Answer

The first formulation is ontological while the second is cosmological

Answer

The first formulation is a priori while the second is empirical

Answer

The first formulation is based on reason while the second is based on emotion

Question 23

Which of the following is a notable **contemporary** philosopher who has defended the Ontological Argument?

Accepted Answer

Alvin Plantinga

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Thomas Aquinas

Answer

René Descartes