The ‘Philosophy of religion’ paper at A2 provides candidates with the option to answer a question about one of the classic arguments for the existence of God — the ontological argument. Knowledge of this argument also fits well as part of an answer to questions on religious authority in Unit 4. Although a variety of theologians and philosophers have focused their attention on the ontological argument, you are asked to understand it specifically from the perspectives of St Anselm and Rene Descartes. You are also asked to tie this into the whole ‘faith and reason’ debate. Whatever the question asked, you will need to show that you know what either or both of these key scholars contributed to the argument.
You will also be expected to know what type of argument this is and that is where I intend to focus in this article. The argument is a priori and uses deductive reasoning. I would not recommend that you start your answer by merely stating this information, without further elaboration. It is a much better idea to weave these ideas into your answer so that you use them to help unpack the argument itself. In that way you will show the examiner that you understand the information, not just know it.
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