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Monologion and Proslogion with the Replies of Gaunilo and Anselm
The Proslogion (also spelled Proslogium; English translation of title: Discourse on the Existence of God), written in 1077-1078, was an attempt by the medieval cleric Anselm to prove beyond contention the existence of god.
Anselm wrote this discourse, not from the perspective of an attempt to convince non-Christians of the truth of Christianity, but rather from the perspective of a believer seeking a rationale for faith. His original title for the discourse was Faith Seeking Understanding. The Proslogion is the source for Anselm's famous, highly controversial ontological argument for the existence of god--that is, the argument in favor of god's existence by definition. While opinions concerning the ontological argument vary widely, it is generally agreed that the argument is most convincing to Anselm's intended audience, Christian believers seeking a rational basis for their beliefs.
The Argument--Dr. Scott H. Moore:
"One can imagine a being than which none greater can be conceived.
We know that existence in reality is greater than existence in the mind alone. If the being we imagine exists only in our mind, then it is not a "being than which none greater can be conceived". A being than which none greater can be conceived must also exist in reality. Failure to exist in reality would be failure to be a being than which none greater can be conceived. Thus a being than which none greater can be conceived must exist, & we call this being god."
Anselm wrote this discourse, not from the perspective of an attempt to convince non-Christians of the truth of Christianity, but rather from the perspective of a believer seeking a rationale for faith. His original title for the discourse was Faith Seeking Understanding. The Proslogion is the source for Anselm's famous, highly controversial ontological argument for the existence of god--that is, the argument in favor of god's existence by definition. While opinions concerning the ontological argument vary widely, it is generally agreed that the argument is most convincing to Anselm's intended audience, Christian believers seeking a rational basis for their beliefs.
The Argument--Dr. Scott H. Moore:
"One can imagine a being than which none greater can be conceived.
We know that existence in reality is greater than existence in the mind alone. If the being we imagine exists only in our mind, then it is not a "being than which none greater can be conceived". A being than which none greater can be conceived must also exist in reality. Failure to exist in reality would be failure to be a being than which none greater can be conceived. Thus a being than which none greater can be conceived must exist, & we call this being god."
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1076
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About the author
Anselm of Canterbury
230 books118 followersborn 1033
People best know Italian-born English theological philosopher and prelate Saint Anselm for his ontological argument for the existence of God.
He entered the Benedictine order at the abbey of Bec at the age of 27 years in 1060 and served as abbot in 1079.
Anselm, a Benedictine monk of monastery at Bec, from 1093 held the office of the Church of archbishop of Canterbury. Called the founder of scholasticism, this major famous originator of the satisfaction theory of atonement influenced the west. He served as archbishop of Canterbury under William II. From 1097, people exiled him to 1100.
As a result of the investiture controversy, the most significant conflict between Church and state in Medieval Europe, Henry I again from 1105 exiled him to 1107.
A bull of Clement XI, pope, proclaimed Anselm a doctor of the Church in 1720 . We celebrate his feast day annually on 21 April.
People best know Italian-born English theological philosopher and prelate Saint Anselm for his ontological argument for the existence of God.
He entered the Benedictine order at the abbey of Bec at the age of 27 years in 1060 and served as abbot in 1079.
Anselm, a Benedictine monk of monastery at Bec, from 1093 held the office of the Church of archbishop of Canterbury. Called the founder of scholasticism, this major famous originator of the satisfaction theory of atonement influenced the west. He served as archbishop of Canterbury under William II. From 1097, people exiled him to 1100.
As a result of the investiture controversy, the most significant conflict between Church and state in Medieval Europe, Henry I again from 1105 exiled him to 1107.
A bull of Clement XI, pope, proclaimed Anselm a doctor of the Church in 1720 . We celebrate his feast day annually on 21 April.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 11, 2022
Of the two works, Proslogion gets the most attention as the conveyor of Anselm's famous ontological argument, which asserts that since we can conceive of an infinitely great being, such a being must necessarily exist - because to exist in reality as well as conception is greater than to exist in conception only, and the being we speak of is infinitely great. This proof has gotten a lot of attention from philosophers over the centuries; it has not been successfully refuted, but it reveals more about the limits of the human mind than it does about the deity, by my reckoning.
But the Monologion is the real gem. Systematic and cautious, a beautiful work that derives Trinitarian & other essential Christian doctrines from natural theology - from reason, rather than revelation. Which is not to say revelation is not involved. Rather, Anselm's purpose is to explain with logic how, if the biblical assertions about God are true, we can understand them to be true on a logical basis rather than a dogmatic one. Really stunning thoughtcraft, well-made. Profitable reading.
But the Monologion is the real gem. Systematic and cautious, a beautiful work that derives Trinitarian & other essential Christian doctrines from natural theology - from reason, rather than revelation. Which is not to say revelation is not involved. Rather, Anselm's purpose is to explain with logic how, if the biblical assertions about God are true, we can understand them to be true on a logical basis rather than a dogmatic one. Really stunning thoughtcraft, well-made. Profitable reading.
October 24, 2020
I've read the 'Monologion', 'Proslogion' and Anselm's debates about them more than once, always in connection to a college class, as well as some of the modern debates about the ontological argument. For an eleventh century cleric to have remained so problematic for so long is quite remarkable.
The most interesting treatment given the texts, particularly of the 'Proslogion', was that offered by Dr. Paul Schaick in his fall Philosophy of Religion class. A PhD in physics who had gone on for a second doctorate in philosophy after reading Heidegger, Paul was an interesting man.
His class barely touched on the philosophy of religion at all. We read Rudolf Otto's 'Idea of the Holy' very quickly, discussing it in a day, then moved immediately to spend the rest of the semester reading Anselm and his critics. Class "discussions" were almost entirely devoted to watching Paul at the whiteboard, feverishly writing proofs in modal logics. It eventually dawned on him that we didn't know modal logics, so he deigned to give us a crash course in that, then proceeded with his work. This, I presume, is how they taught physics where he came from.
In any case, I found it amusing and the two of us became friends until graduation in the spring.
Oh, just in case you are interested, the argument does work under the operations allowed under S5 modal logic, but not in the others.--If that doesn't solve your crisis of faith, what will?
The most interesting treatment given the texts, particularly of the 'Proslogion', was that offered by Dr. Paul Schaick in his fall Philosophy of Religion class. A PhD in physics who had gone on for a second doctorate in philosophy after reading Heidegger, Paul was an interesting man.
His class barely touched on the philosophy of religion at all. We read Rudolf Otto's 'Idea of the Holy' very quickly, discussing it in a day, then moved immediately to spend the rest of the semester reading Anselm and his critics. Class "discussions" were almost entirely devoted to watching Paul at the whiteboard, feverishly writing proofs in modal logics. It eventually dawned on him that we didn't know modal logics, so he deigned to give us a crash course in that, then proceeded with his work. This, I presume, is how they taught physics where he came from.
In any case, I found it amusing and the two of us became friends until graduation in the spring.
Oh, just in case you are interested, the argument does work under the operations allowed under S5 modal logic, but not in the others.--If that doesn't solve your crisis of faith, what will?
December 6, 2023
I had already read the Proslogion along with Guanilo’s reply and Anselm’s response, but I finally made it through the Monologion.
Note: read all these in the Oxford World’s Classic edition of Anselm’s Major Works
Note: read all these in the Oxford World’s Classic edition of Anselm’s Major Works
December 11, 2023
Due to the presence of Anselm's famed ontological argument, Proslogion gets more attention, but the most invigorating thought from my perspective is contained in Monologian. It is a clear, well-argued development of theological reflection that is both captivating and effective in its logical organization. Moreover, Anselm's devotional style makes for reading that edifies even while it instructs and stretches.
Confessedly, I have always struggled to find the appeal of Anselm's ontological argument. I find the logic slippery and proofs unsatisfactory. Moreover, it feels that in terms of arguments for God's existence, it is more clever than persuasive. In my view, it tends to come across more as a neat logical parlor-trick than something that is likely to be believed. Moreover, I found Anselm's follow-up replies to be somewhat challenging to follow--admittedly likely my own difficulty in tracing statements that contain so many double negatives.
That said, overall, a really enjoyable read. Note--I read these passages in the Oxford Classics translation.
Confessedly, I have always struggled to find the appeal of Anselm's ontological argument. I find the logic slippery and proofs unsatisfactory. Moreover, it feels that in terms of arguments for God's existence, it is more clever than persuasive. In my view, it tends to come across more as a neat logical parlor-trick than something that is likely to be believed. Moreover, I found Anselm's follow-up replies to be somewhat challenging to follow--admittedly likely my own difficulty in tracing statements that contain so many double negatives.
That said, overall, a really enjoyable read. Note--I read these passages in the Oxford Classics translation.
January 4, 2024
Anselm relies on reason not revelation; but he confuses idea and object. Monologion covers God, Creation, Trinity, Soul. Proslogion includes the Ontological Argument.
August 30, 2022
For a long time I wanted to read St. Anselm, and now I have read the Monologion and the Proslogion, as well as the objections and Anselm’s reply to them.
The Monologion is the process of trying to understand God’s existence by reason. The ontological argument appears here already, even though it is usually attributed to the Proslogion. The reason for this is that the Proslogion is mainly devoted to it. But, in addition to the ontological argument, the reasoning in the Monologion goes on to derive from the fact that God exist that He must be a Trinity. I enjoyed the whole argumentation, which takes most of the book. But I still wonder if it could be reached by reason by someone who did not know it beforehand by revelation.
The beginning of the Proslogion is beautifully written as a search for God by a soul, linking together many verses from the Psalms and other books of scripture. Then it goes on to explain the ontological argument. It is a much shorter book than the Monologion.
The Monologion is the process of trying to understand God’s existence by reason. The ontological argument appears here already, even though it is usually attributed to the Proslogion. The reason for this is that the Proslogion is mainly devoted to it. But, in addition to the ontological argument, the reasoning in the Monologion goes on to derive from the fact that God exist that He must be a Trinity. I enjoyed the whole argumentation, which takes most of the book. But I still wonder if it could be reached by reason by someone who did not know it beforehand by revelation.
The beginning of the Proslogion is beautifully written as a search for God by a soul, linking together many verses from the Psalms and other books of scripture. Then it goes on to explain the ontological argument. It is a much shorter book than the Monologion.
August 13, 2018
What a hoot.
November 30, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Anselm! I thought his take on describing the devils fall was interesting, but it definitely left me with a lot to think about—specifically whether or not we can truly have free will and how God could allow the angels to fall if he’s an all good all perfect being—but, I do believe that the creation of free will in the first place is exactly why the angels did fall.
All cool stuff!! As far as philosophical texts go this one was fairly easy to digest. Really an interesting (yet seemingly shared) perspective on who God is and the role he plays in life today, then, and the future (all at once of course).
All cool stuff!! As far as philosophical texts go this one was fairly easy to digest. Really an interesting (yet seemingly shared) perspective on who God is and the role he plays in life today, then, and the future (all at once of course).
July 23, 2020
This is a deep, philosophical book. Anselm tries to pose an argument bridging the material and spiritual worlds. I took a long time to read and re-read lines, but have difficulty summing up his main thesis. That is not to say, that I didn't get something out of it. I paraphrased and added to this statement of what he said in one of my writings (obviously footnoted): With God there is no past or future, therefore, He is always present and "I am." I added the "I am" but I thought the overall concept is real cool.
June 3, 2022
had to read a lot of theological philosophers and anselm is by far one of the easiest to get in to. obviously his arguments are dated but his ontological argument was not only innovative within theological philosophy but an interesting way to conceptualize god. if your going to start w the basics this is a great work to read to begin. even tho i don’t agree with a lot of his arguments i appreciated the way in which he writes and attempts to explain the complexities of god
August 28, 2019
A short little book and a necessary step in the advancement of the philosophy of God in the west. I especially love St. Anselm's very devout character with which he composes his philosophy, integrating his quest to understand God with his quest to love God. Would that more philosophers could have done that.
May 24, 2020
My rating of two is not because of the translation but the underlying work itself. The Monologion is a knock off of Augustine's Confessions or On Christian Doctrine. The Proslogion is just a repetition of the same idea for chapters on end.
February 20, 2024
This was much more interesting and engaging than I would have guessed, assuming you are interested in philosophy and Christianity. It is not fully convincing but it would warrant a closer, slow reading.
August 15, 2024
This is a fast read! Great for a plane ride. Though it is short, the knowledge given to us by Anselm is invaluable. Would definitely recommend who want to learn about the Ontological argument, and why God is so great!
February 15, 2025
I'm not a scholastic, an academic, a theologian, or a philosopher but I was lucky enough to read this with a knowledgeable guide and it was a bit like putting on a pair of glasses for the first time & discovering the little pond at your feet is actually an ocean.
February 13, 2022
The Monologion was a snoozefest, but the Proslogion was really beautiful! So I'm going for the middle of the road on this one. Apologies, Anselm!
December 30, 2022
The Ontological argument for the existence of God is brilliant. I love Anselm as a philosopher, and he should definitely be included in with the greats.
December 23, 2023
Nice edition—clean, clear, and simple.
January 10, 2024
Proslogion alone deserves 5 stars.
June 8, 2024
Cool, cool, but a little bit redundant
December 30, 2018
While reading through Anselm's major works, the number of lines that could be drawn from my own theological tradition back through Anselm's reasoning struck me several times (particularly when he discusses the Triunity of God and topics touching upon redemption). I look forward to delving further back into the church fathers to develop a more full picture of the development of these things (Anselm wrote in the 11th century).
December 23, 2017
I read only Proslogion.
The Proslogion is most famous for Anselm's argument that since God can be conceived of he must exist. By definition, God is the supreme being. Nothing greater than God can exist. Since existence is greater than non-existence, God must exist.
While the Proslogion is famous for this argument, most of the short book focuses on contemplating God. Anselm considers what it means to be supremely good, supremely just, and supremely merciful. He considers God's unity, and his eternal unbounded nature. Anselm comes to the conclusion that we are limited in our ability to conceive God but what we can conceive of him should make us desire him more than any thing else. I found this book to be an insightful devotional on the nature of God.
The Proslogion is most famous for Anselm's argument that since God can be conceived of he must exist. By definition, God is the supreme being. Nothing greater than God can exist. Since existence is greater than non-existence, God must exist.
While the Proslogion is famous for this argument, most of the short book focuses on contemplating God. Anselm considers what it means to be supremely good, supremely just, and supremely merciful. He considers God's unity, and his eternal unbounded nature. Anselm comes to the conclusion that we are limited in our ability to conceive God but what we can conceive of him should make us desire him more than any thing else. I found this book to be an insightful devotional on the nature of God.
June 30, 2009
The arguments that Anselm employs are a little wordy and seem to use circular reasoning sometimes, but overall a good read. I found his reflections on the Trinity to be particularly insightful and thought-provoking.
August 29, 2008
Nonsense. Utter nonsense. See: infinite regress AKA "turtles all the way down" for a quick and sound refutation of all the boring, failed arguments presented here and in the extremely overrated writings of Aquinas as well.
July 4, 2009
The ontological argument is very, very clever.
Read
November 21, 2009None
August 11, 2010
A good mind bender.
December 6, 2010
Read Proslogion.
March 31, 2013
An argument than which no greater can be conceived - and therefore it must be sound!
September 21, 2016
The ontological argument is good to have on hand when the Dawkins-Hitchens club starts to get annoying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews