An Examination Into The Respective Proofs Of St. Aquinas

An Examination into the Respective Proofs of St. Anselm and St. Aquinas During the Medieval Period, philosophers shifted their focus primarily to proving the existence of God, as well as other religious tenets. Two Saints of the Catholic Church, St. Anselm and St. Thomas Aquinas, developed their own respective proofs for the existence of God. These proofs have gained fame over the subsequent centuries and still face debate and comparison today. Although both St. Anselm and St. Thomas Aquinas offer proofs for the existence of God, the proofs differ drastically due to the distinct argumentative methods utilized by each author, as well as the differing overall strengths and weaknesses each proof yields. To begin comparing the proofs, one must first state them. St. Anselm’s proof is most clearly described by defining God as that than which no greater can be conceived (Melchert, 260). With this definition in mind, one can contemplate St. Augustine’s â€Å"Great Chain of Bei ng† and realize that existence gives something more being, or more greatness, than non-existence (Melchert, 261). It follows, then, that we grasp an idea of God, which would be greater if it actually existed, therefore it (our idea of God) exists. Anselm’s definition of God and Augustine’s theory of the Great Chain of Being are the only requirements for Anselm’s proof of the existence of God to work. St. Thomas Aquinas actually posits five separate proofs, but due to length constraints, this paper will onlyShow MoreRelatedSt. Thomas Aquinas On The Existence Of God1338 Words   |  6 PagesCatholic Church, St. Anselm and St. Thomas Aquinas, developed their own respective proofs for the existence of God. These proofs have gained fame over the subsequent centuries and still face debate and comparison today. Although both St. Anselm and St. Thomas Aquinas both offer proofs for the existence of God, the proofs differ drastically due to the distinct argumentati ve methods utilized by each author, as well as the differing overall strengths and weaknesses each respective proof yields. To beginRead MoreNational Security Outline Essay40741 Words   |  163 Pagesunder other conditions a similar change may make for peace. 2. Historical Development a. Just War Period i. Aristotle, use war to prevent slavery, put men in leadership who will help others ii. Cicero, war only for peace, honour, safety. iii. Aquinas three requirements 1. the authority of a sovereign (not an individual) 2. just cause is required 3. belligerents should have a right intention, so that they intend the advancement of the good, or the avoidance of evil. iv. Little - The Just War