The Ontological Argument for the Existence of God

by Robert Mayhew Anselm of Canterbury (11th century) was the first to present the ontological argument, purporting to demonstrate God’s existence through a mere analysis of the definition of God. Aquinas rejected the argument, but Descartes revived it. Kant was thought by many to deliver it a death blow, but it continues to be resuscitated. This lecture is an exercise in philosophical detection: Dr. Mayhew will present the argument and then explain Objectivism’s unique reasons for rejecting it as not merely false, but as an absurd rationalization. Recorded at OCON 2023 in Miami, Florida The handout is available here: https://19886644.fs1.hubspotuserconte... Talk copyright: Robert Mayhew ------------------------------------------ Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_... Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand University app: – App Store https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-r... – Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: https://ari.aynrand.org/donate ****** Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: https://aynrand.org/signup Follow ARI on Twitter:   / aynrandinst   Follow ARI on Facebook:   / aynrandinstitute   Follow ARI on Instagram:   / aynrandorg   Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ****** Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: https://newideal.aynrand.org/ Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: https://ari.aynrand.org/events/ Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: https://ari.aynrand.org/