This book is an interesting contribution to the philosophy of religion. It offers a comprehensive discussion of one of the most famous arguments for the existence of God: the ontological argument. The author provides and analyses a critical taxonomy of those versions of the argument that have been advanced in recent philosophical literature, as well as of those historically important versions found in the work of St Anselm, Descartes, Leibniz, Hegel and others. A central thesis of the book is that ontological arguments have no value in the debate between theists and atheists. There is a detailed review of the literature on the topic (separated from the main body of the text) and a very substantial bibliography, making this volume an indispensable resource for philosophers of religion and others interested in religious studies.
Contents
Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Some historical considerations; 2. Definitional arguments; 3. Conceptual arguments; 4. Modal arguments; 5. Meinongian arguments; 6. Experiential arguments; 7. 'Hegelian' arguments; 8. Application to historical arguments; 9. Are there (other) global objections to ontological arguments?; 10. Is existence a predicate?; 11. The uses of parody; 12. Are ontological arguments of any use to theists and/or atheists?; Conclusion; Literature notes; Bibliography; Index.
Review
‘Graham Oppy has written an excellent book. Perhaps a greater Companion can be conceived, but it is hard to imagine a greater being achieved. Future students of the ontological argument will find it something of a burden if they have to manage without it. A splendid survey.’ Philosophy
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