This paper looks at Anselm's "Monologion" and how, in it, Anselm covers ontology, the nature of God, His relation to created beings, and the doctrine of the Trinity.
Analytical Essay # 116472 |
1,900 words (
approx. 7.6 pages ) |
1 source |
MLA | 2008
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Abstract
This essay analyzes Anselm's 'Monologion', spelling out his proof of the existence of God and how he elaborates on the perfection of His nature. The writer explains that Anselm's ontology is based on the idea of perfection, that a perfect being must necessarily exist. While elaborating on His nature Anselm comes to conclude that the Expression of God is the source of all created existence. The writer discusses that Anselm goes on to show the reasonableness of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, even though he does not intend to prove it. The writer concludes that Anselm acknowledges that we cannot apply predicates to God, which the doctrine of the Trinity does. However, he contends that the doctrine helps us to comprehend the nature of God better.
From the Paper
"Anselm's Monologion is at first a detailed expansion of his more famous ontology - the proof of the existence of God - as expressed elsewhere. In this proof God is first equated with the most perfect being, and then it is demonstrated that such a being necessarily exists. The Monologion is concerned more with the nature of the most perfect being, and what else can be predicated about it, in relation to itself, and to created beings. The same line of argument is followed, where the oneness and the perfection of the Supreme Being are emphasized, but after a point we notice that the effort is diverted into explaining the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, so that God is said to be three persons in one substance, and yet indivisibly one. It needs to be remembered that Anselm does not attempt to 'prove' the doctrine of the Trinity. Therefore the latter part of the Monologion is really persuasive rather than demonstrative. The aim is to convince us of the reasonableness of the doctrine of the Trinity."
Tags:nature, of, God, created, beings, Christian, reason
This paper argues that Anselm's proof of the existence of God is superior to the theories of Renee Descartes or Immanual Kant.
Argumentative Essay # 116456 |
1,269 words (
approx. 5.1 pages ) |
3 sources |
MLA | 2008
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In this article, the writer compares and contrasts the ontologies of Anselm, Descartes and Kant. The writer maintains that Anselm's ontology is superior to the other two. The writer discusses that Anselm's ontology shows that all three arguments are indeed the same. But Descartes and Kant are in the process of criticizing Anselm, and their criticisms are unjust and misplaced. The writer maintains that this leads them to construct convoluted arguments while saying the same thing as Anselm does. The writer concludes that Anselm's is judged to be the superior argument because it is simple and intuitive.
From the Paper
"Ontology is a purported proof that God exists. The ontology provided by St. Anselm in the eleventh century set the standard in Western thought, and on which all subsequent ontology attempts to measure itself. Before the renaissance and the Age of Reason it was generally agreed that only a fool would deny the existence of God. Accordingly the ontology of St. Anselm employs the attitude of a fool - meaning some one without any of the higher concepts of philosophy - as the crux of the argument. The argument commences with a definition of God ... "
Tags:mind, matter, material, understanding, reality
A comparison of the ontological arguments of the 20th-century philosopher Martin Heidegger and the 11th-century archbishop of Canterbury, St. Anselm.
Comparison Essay # 110439 |
1,412 words (
approx. 5.6 pages ) |
3 sources |
MLA | 2008
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This paper discusses and compares Martin Heidegger's phenomenological analysis of human existence and St. Anselm's ontological argument on the existence of God. The writer describes the concept of "dasein," or "being," and the special meanings that Heidegger assigned to it. The writer explains how Heidegger saw being as preceding knowing and how his argument progresses to the conclusion that the being of "dasein" is time. St. Anselm, on the other hand, begins with a negative proposition and uses logic to deduce the existence of God. The writer concludes that while St. Anselm derives everything else from the generalization of God's existence from logic, Heidegger finds it nearly impossible to even completely understand the concept of being.
Outline:
Heidegger
St. Anselm
Comparison
From the Paper
"St. Anselm advanced that since God is that, than which nothing greater can be thought, He must necessarily exist in reality (Kent 2006). His ontological argument was in the form of a deduction ad absurdum. It presents a hypothesis, which presents unacceptable or non-valid consequences, which make the hypothesis false. He argues that God is that "than which no greater can be conceived" and sets it in conflict with the hypothesis that God does not exist. If the hypothesis is accepted or valid, then nothing imaginable can be greater than God. It also argues that a God that exists is greater than a God that does not exist."
Tags:historicality, individual, metaphysics, pre-scientific, non-existent, empirical, understanding
A discussion of Anselm's philosophical approach to proving the existence of God.
Analytical Essay # 115626 |
2,140 words (
approx. 8.6 pages ) |
4 sources |
MLA | 2009
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$ 40.95
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This paper offers a brief synopsis of the 'Proslogion', and Anselm's ontological argument. The writer examines Anselm's first premise of the ontological argument for evidence to prove God's existence via reason, and explains how it is compelling in that it astutely chooses understanding and coherency as foundation to knowing. The second premise follows with a vigilant use of philosophical forms to prove God's existence is reality. The writer concludes that Anselm's work serves as a potent persuasive tool for the theist who is engaged in an ontological dialogue with an atheist or agnostic. This paper contains MLA-style footnotes but does not include a works cited page.
From the Paper
"First, Anselm writes about understanding, and how understanding and conceiving leads to existence of that which is conceived. If something is understood by a person then it exists. When the concept of God is conceived and understood, God then exists. For example, if an expression X is understood by a person Y, then X exists in the understanding of Y. Second, Anselm's argument informs us that when something exists in understanding it also exists in reality. As a matter of importance, it would be better for it to exist in reality than in understanding. Lastly, if the Supreme Being only exists in understanding, it would then entertain the thought of something being greater than it. If the Supreme Being exists in understanding, it can be "thought" to exist in reality."
Tags:theology, discipline, logic, Plato, belief, fool, consciousness, distinction
A study of theologian and philosopher, Anselm's argument for the existence of God, known as his Ontological Argument.
Essay # 6815 |
1,200 words (
approx. 4.8 pages ) |
1 source |
APA | 2002
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$ 24.95
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The writer of this paper shows how Anselm (1033-1109), philosopher, theologian and church leader presented an argument for the existence of God that has been debated by philosophers and academicians for centuries. The paper shows that from the beginning, Anselm's argument has been met with criticism, appreciation and interest by philosophers such as Kant, Descartes and Spinoza. The writer is of the opinion that, after studying the argument, although interesting, it has certain basic flaws, which he attempts to bring out in this paper.
From the Paper
"While analyzing Anselm's argument and focusing on its weaknesses, the obvious question arises: Why has the argument fascinated so many philosophers over the years, if it was such a weak argument? The answer probably is that it is difficult to prove Anselm's argument wrong logically. Even Kant's argument that "existence is not a predicate" has been challenged by others who have argued that there are senses in which existence is a predicate. So the controversy of and fascination with Anselm's argument is far from over and is likely to continue."
Tags:Book, on, Behalf, of, the, Fool, Lost, Island, Proslogium, Gaunilo, Liebniz, RAA
The following paper is a critical analysis of the poems in Anselm Berrigan's "Integrity & Dramatic Life".
Analytical Essay # 5053 |
1,485 words (
approx. 5.9 pages ) |
0 sources |
2001
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$ 29.95
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The following essay critically analyzes Anselm Berrigan's poems: "In the paintings of Will ", "My Poem", "Poem minus thing", "Ghost Town" and "A short history of autumn". This essay suggests that if we look at life's journeys from Berrigan's view and their path along the way, we may have a clearer understanding of where Anselm Berrigan is going with his poetry.
From the Paper
"The poems in Anselm Berrigan's "Integrity & Dramatic Life", express many aspects of individuality, isolation, cycles of life, mental anguish and frustration of society. Some of the poems tend to resemble rambling but in a sense relate to aspects of the subject as it is seen in the mind of ones inner thoughts. The "Ghost Town," for example shows ones outlook on the cycle of life and the process of labor. Anselm expresses a view of the cycle of labor in a practical sense but also uses outward ramifications to show some of his imaginary personality. "
Tags:sequence, rambling, contradictory, truth, willful, personality, personal, modest, poetic, ego, obstacles
Proving God's Existence: Anselm, Aquinas, and Kant
A comparison of three distinct approaches to the proofs for the existence of God, as set forth, respectively, by Anselm, Thomas Aquinas, and Emanuel Kant.
Comparison Essay # 113826 |
2,047 words (
approx. 8.2 pages ) |
2 sources |
MLA | 2006
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$ 38.95
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This paper analyzes the distinct approaches to the theological question of how to prove God's existence by three theologians: Anselm, Thomas Aquinas and Emanuel Kant. The writer provides the historical, religious and intellectual background of each of the three, and summarizes each theologian's approach and what they had in common, as well as their differences and limitations. The writer also discusses why the three theologians differ and explains how each approach expanded the writer's personal knowledge of the ongoing debate concerning the proofs for God's existence in theology.
From the Paper
"Thomas Aquinas lived from 1225 to 1274 C.E. Thomas was related to Italian aristocracy and to kings and emperors of other countries. He joined the Dominicans, who for their missionary purposes stressed the importance of the gospel and academic knowledge. Problems arose in the 13th century with the dealing of the rediscovery of Aristotle's thoughts, thanks to the work of Spanish Muslims such as Averroes. Some theologians completely rejected Aristotelian thought while others accepted it uncritically. Unlike these other theologians, Aquinas welcomed Aristotelian thought but with a critical outlook. The rediscovery of Aristotle's writings was the beginning of how some theologians acquired the ability to initiate a meaningful dialogue between science and philosophy with theology - yet ironically, its acceptance was embraced after Aquinas' life."
Tags:ontological, empiricist, reason, revelation, Enlightenment, science, methodology, creation
An examination of the contributions of St. Anselm of Canterbury to philosophical thought during medieval times.
Term Paper # 107819 |
2,939 words (
approx. 11.8 pages ) |
8 sources |
MLA | 2008
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This paper discusses one of the influential Christian leaders and thinkers of the medieval era - St. Anselm of Canterbury. It begins by describing his background and his life and then discusses how he helped to shape philosophical thought during his era and develop the intellectual life of England in the twelfth century. The paper provides examples of his contributions.
From the Paper
"It is difficult to imagine that one could go to Anselm in doubt about God, be subjected to this often-circular set of self-definitions, and come away in a more clear spiritual state, believing in God and one's relationship with God. To the contrary, it is easier to imagine that a person's reasoning powers would be beaten down by such a philosophy to the point that faith seems a simple respite from thought. We find the same problem when Anselm sets out to discover the relationship among foreknowledge, predestination, and free choice. With respect to foreknowledge and free choice, Anselm writes that it does not seem that God's foreknowledge of what a man is going to do and man's free choices are incompatible. He says that the two can somehow coexist, though, and he sets out to discover if this thesis is correct. Even before he begins his line of inquiry, though, the reader should see that Anselm simply cannot know what God knows or when he knows it. What he is doing is trying to use words to create a place of possibility wherein an individual can imagine that God's foreknowledge and man's free will are not incompatible. The fact is that they very well might be compatible in some divine sense to which human beings can have no access, even through reason."
Tags:foreknowledge, predestination, free choice
A summary of St. Anselm's argument for the existence of God and various refutations of his argument.
Essay # 64906 |
1,578 words (
approx. 6.3 pages ) |
8 sources |
APA | 2006
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$ 31.95
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This paper begins with a summary and explanation of St. Anselm's ontological argument for the existence of God. The paper then takes a look at rebuttals to his argument presented by such famous thinkers as Rene Descartes, St. Thomas Aquinas and David Hume.
From the Paper
"St. Anselm's ontological argument for the existence of God makes an appeal to pure reasoning, priori, without empirical evidence of any sort. St. Anselm's argument begins with a reference to fool in Psalms 53:1. St. Anselm asserts that even the fool is convinced that something exists in the understanding at least, than which nothing greater can be conceived. He claims that merely by analyzing the concept of God, we can deduce that God exists. St. Anselm's stresses that God is the greatest conceivable being, "a being than which none greater can be conceived." St. Anselm's concept is logical and understandable because it is intelligible, God exists in the understanding. St. Anselm's argument goes onto state that a being that exists merely in the understanding is not as great as a being that exists in reality as well. So a being that exists in the understanding alone is not the greatest conceivable being. "
Tags:fool, psalms, greatest, conceivable, being, perfect, universe, island, priori, posteriori
Grant proposal for funding a cultural center.
Research Proposal # 149606 |
3,987 words (
approx. 15.9 pages ) |
25 sources |
APA | 2011
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$ 64.95
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This paper describes the programming at The Saint Anselm's Cross Cultural Center, further emphasizing the need for expanding the community and family health services offered there. The paper is in the form of a grant proposal, which begins by describing the immigrant population that the center serves. The paper continues by explaining how access to health care for these groups makes the program necessary. Various statistics are presented in charts and graphs to support this claim. Next, the paper gives an in-depth project description and evaluation schedule. This is followed by the budget request, which explains the funding that is needed and how it will be spent. The paper concludes by stating that the proposal serves as an expansion of services proposal to further the healthy communities initiatives and goals as well as to address the current and pervasive health and wellness disparities seen in minority populations.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Statement of Need
Why this Project is Necessary?
Project Description
Budget
Organization Information
Conclusion
Time Line
From the Paper
"Immigrants are nearly always subject to economic disparities as the dismantling and rebuilding of an entire life is a significant financial strain and many immigrants migrate specifically to attempt to better a poor finical situation in their home nation. Many are political refugees seeking asylum in the US, a situation that creates barriers above and beyond those that already plague immigrants succeeding economically in the US. Many live in cramped conditions, as multiple family or friends share small homes to support one another. Extreme cultural and language barriers also bar immigrants from seeking medical care and other needed resources, including but not limited to employment, health care, health care insurance and even healthy foods, as varieties of fresh foods are often completely different in the US, than they are in other places and unknown are not always welcome to an individual with limited financial resources. Another issue that is specific to international immigrants is the issue of credential, while an immigrant may be of high rank and education in their home nation, e.g. doctors, lawyers, professors, nurses, ect...their professional credentials and educational attainments often do not transfer to the US, even if they are proficient in English communications. (Marquez NP) The community center therefore fills a void in the community by offering a hub for interconnectivity, health access, information and resource access and networking for social, personal and economic betterment. Additionally, language barriers are overcome by the fact that former immigrants are often on site volunteering at the center."
Tags:immigrants, affordable health care, cultural diversity, economic disparities