Saint Anselm's Monologion I-IV as one a posteriori argument for the existence of God

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Nicolás Olivares Bøgeskov

Abstract

The article analyzes the a posteriori argumentation for the existence of God present in saint Anselm’s Monologion. It defends that the arguments in chapters I-IV are parts of a single argumentative way comparable with the fourth way of Thomas Aquinas. The only starting point for the argumentation is the evidence of the degrees of transcendental perfection (goodness and greatness) found in things. According to this single point of departure, the argument also has a single formulation of the principle of causality given in chapter I. By this principle, Anselm infers the existence of a single first principle (that which is through itself) from its effects (that which is through another). Contrary to what is usually held, it is shown that chapters III and IV do not contain arguments properly meant to demonstrate God’s existence. Chapter III’s specific goal is to demonstrate the impossibility that that which is through itself may be something multiple, while chapter IV aims to demonstrate the impossibility that the supreme nature through whom all things exist may be overcome or equaled in dignity by another.

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How to Cite
Olivares Bøgeskov, N. (2016). Saint Anselm’s Monologion I-IV as one a posteriori argument for the existence of God. Brasiliensis, 5(10), 7-32. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8128025
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Author Biography

Nicolás Olivares Bøgeskov, Centro de Estudos Redemptoris Mater, Brasília

Doctor en Filosofía por la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

How to Cite

Olivares Bøgeskov, N. (2016). Saint Anselm’s Monologion I-IV as one a posteriori argument for the existence of God. Brasiliensis, 5(10), 7-32. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8128025