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Reasonable Faith Podcast

Question of the Week #930: Great-Making Properties and the Ontological Argument

Mar 13, 2025
A thought-provoking exploration unfolds as a young individual from Syria tackles the ontological argument, highlighting the subjective nature of concepts like greatness and perfection. The discussion dives into the complexities of value in metaphysical debates, reflecting on various philosophical perspectives and recent developments. The conversation also emphasizes 'great-making properties,' scrutinizing their importance in contemplating the existence of an omnipotent and morally perfect being across different realms. Prepare for deep philosophical insights!
08:31

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The ontological argument asserts that certain divine attributes represent objective great-making properties, challenging subjective interpretations of greatness.
  • Current philosophical perspectives, particularly those of Alvin Plantinga, emphasize the metaphysical possibility of a perfect being over subjective definitions of greatness.

Deep dives

The Nature of Greatness in the Ontological Argument

The ontological argument hinges on the definition of God as the greatest conceivable being, prompting a discussion about what constitutes 'greatness.' Critics argue that terms like 'great' or 'perfect' are subjective, suggesting that values could vary based on differing human perspectives or hypothetical evolutionary paths. Despite this skepticism, certain divine attributes, such as moral perfection and omnipotence, are presented as clear examples of great-making properties, implying an inherent objectivity in these traits. This indicates that while interpretations of greatness may differ, some qualities are widely accepted as superior, reaffirming the argument's foundation.

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