It is possible to conceive, Anselm said, of a being than which nothing greater can be conceived. Even an atheist can conceive of such a superlative being, though he would deny its existence in the real world. But, goes the argument, a being that doesn't exist in the real world is, by that very fact, less than perfect. Therefore we have a contradiction and, hey presto, God exists!

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About Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins was a contemporary British evolutionary biologist and author. Richard Dawkins is a British evolutionary biologist, zoologist, science communicator and author. He is an emeritus fellow of New College, Oxford. Read more on Wikipedia →

Themes

  • God — Spiritual reflections on the divine, faith, and creation
  • Religion — Exploring belief systems, worship, and spiritual practice

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