Q&A: A Question About a Huge Problem with the Ontological Argument
A Question About a Huge Problem with the Ontological Argument
Question
The entity that exists in my imaginary world must exist in all possible worlds, and therefore also exists in reality (for someone who agrees with the basic premise), because otherwise that would contradict the basic premise. But then any world in which it can be proven that the entity does not exist contradicts the existence of the entity (meaning this is not an entity whose existence is necessary), and therefore logically contradicts the proof. Now if someone says that in his imaginary world there is no option for such an entity at all—then either he is lying or the statement is logically refuted, no? Because if you believe him, then in his world the entity does not exist, and then there is some world (for you too) in which the entity does not exist, so it is not the perfect entity you were trying to prove. Am I missing something?
Answer
He is not necessarily lying. He could also be mistaken. That is more common.
Discussion on Answer
This is not a new point. On the contrary, that is the essence of the proof: to show the atheist that he is mistaken (and also does not properly understand himself, since he is a hidden believer). Anselm himself talks about this, and I elaborated on it in the booklet and in the book.
I read the booklet. There (and also in your lectures) you relate more to the individual who proves to himself, or to his friend, that he believes despite what he thought. So if the atheist accepts the premise, he is already committed. But here the recognition is that either the whole world believes or the whole world denies. In any case, great, I understand. Who said a billion atheists can't be mistaken.
So if that's the case, then either all atheists are mistaken and everyone is really theists and believers (in the above perfect entity), or no one is, at least not according to this proof. It sounds to me like something new that hasn't been discussed before. Am I wrong?