One objection to the ontological argument is that existence cannot be contained in the concept of a thing. The reason for this is that:
A) to say that something exists does not tell you anything about what kind of a thing it is.
B) the concept of a thing is greater than the actual existence of the thing.
C) only existing things can exist necessarily.
D) only imperfect things can exist in the physical world.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The objection is based on the idea that stating something exists doesn't provide any information about its properties or nature, which is what A) suggests. The ontological argument posits that if we can conceive of the greatest possible being, then it must exist, as existence would be a necessary quality of the greatest possible being. Critics argue that this conflates conceptual existence (thinking of something) with actual existence in reality, and A) captures this critique by pointing out that merely asserting something exists doesn't define its characteristics or essence.

One Objection to the Ontological Argument Is That Existence Cannot