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The Ontological Argument (Part 3): Descartes v Kant
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Learning aims:
This lesson explores René Descartes version of the Ontological Argument, and the critiques of Immanuel Kant with regard to this. Descartes version of the Ontological Argument centers on the notion of existence, and in particular why this is something we cannot take away from God. The lesson begins with a recap of Anselm's version of the argument, and shows how Descartes
version differs from him on this point. The lesson also considers in some depth
the triangle analogy, and sets this within the context of two 'proofs' for God’s existence as discussed by
Descartes in the Third Meditation. The second part of this lesson explores Immanuel Kant's critiques of Descartes understanding of the notion
'existence'. After briefly considering Kant's distinction between analytic and
synthetic statements, the lesson explains why Kant believed existence could
never function as a predicate in a statement, and also why it makes no logical sense to talk of God
having existence.
Slide titles: The Ontological Argument: Review, From Anselm to Descartes, Something to consider…, René Descartes: Setting the scene, Supporting arguments and the truth about triangles, In his own words..., Supporting arguments and the truth about triangles (summary), In his own words… (From triangles to God), Descartes’ Ontological Argument: Summary, Filling in the cracks, Immanuel Kant’s critique of Descartes’ Ontological Argument, Two types of statements, Existence cannot be a predicate in a statement, Another way of analysing things…, Another reason why ‘existence’ cannot be a predicate, Concluding thoughts... [Please note that some titles may be duplicated].
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