The ontological proof of the existence of God

Abstract

This article examines the ontological proof of the existence of God, one of the key arguments in philosophical theology dating back to Anselm of Canterbury (11th century) and developed in scholasticism, modern times and contemporary philosophy. Despite various critical attacks on this proof, especially by Thomas Aquinas, I. Kant and modern materialists, the history of this proof shows that interest in it does not wane, but on the contrary, newer and newer versions of this proof arise. Particularly interesting from our point of view is the proof proposed by Russian Orthodox philosophers – Bishop Mikhail (Gribanovsky) and S.L. Frank, who showed that in essence this proof was proposed by Plotinus. In addition, when discussing this argument, other questions arise concerning the knowledge of God and His relationship to the world and man. This is the problem of God’s omnipotence and theodicy, the question of the existence of time, the philosophy of mathematics, etc. The article demonstrates the evolution of the ontological argument from medieval scholasticism to modern philosophical discussions, showing its strength and vulnerabilities. Despite criticism (especially from Kant), the proof remains influential, emerging in new forms and maintaining relevance in modern philosophy of religion.