The Ontological Argument
Anselm
, AQA A-level Religious Studies 7062. A-level exams June 2018 onwards. Version 1.2 5 June 2019
3 Subject content
3.1 Component 1: Philosophy of religion and ethics
3.1.1 Section A: Philosophy of religion
Students must develop knowledge and understanding of the following:
• the meaning and significance of the specified content
• the influence of these beliefs and teachings on individuals, communities and societies
• the cause and significance of similarities and differences in beliefs and teachings
• the approach of philosophy to the study of religion and belief.
The term ‘belief(s)’ includes religious beliefs and non-religious beliefs as appropriate.
They should be able to analyse and evaluate issues arising from the topics studied, and the views
and arguments of the scholars prescribed for study.
Students should also be able to use specialist language and terminology appropriately.
Questions may be set that span more than one topic.
Arguments for the existence of God
Design
• Presentation: Paley’s analogical argument.
• Criticisms: Hume.
Ontological
• Presentation: Anselm’s a priori argument.
• Criticisms: Gaunilo and Kant.
Cosmological
• Presentation: Aquinas' Way 3. The argument from contingency and necessity.
• Criticisms: Hume and Russell.
Students should study the basis of each argument in observation or in thought, the strengths and
weaknesses of the arguments, their status as ‘proofs’, their value for religious faith and the
relationship between reason and faith.
Evil and suffering
The problem of evil and suffering.
• The concepts of natural and moral evil.
• The logical and evidential problem of evil.
• Responses to the problem of evil and suffering.
• Hick’s soul making theodicy.
• The free will defence.
Visit aqa.org.uk/7062 for the most up-to-date specification, resources, support and administration 11
Anselm
, AQA A-level Religious Studies 7062. A-level exams June 2018 onwards. Version 1.2 5 June 2019
3 Subject content
3.1 Component 1: Philosophy of religion and ethics
3.1.1 Section A: Philosophy of religion
Students must develop knowledge and understanding of the following:
• the meaning and significance of the specified content
• the influence of these beliefs and teachings on individuals, communities and societies
• the cause and significance of similarities and differences in beliefs and teachings
• the approach of philosophy to the study of religion and belief.
The term ‘belief(s)’ includes religious beliefs and non-religious beliefs as appropriate.
They should be able to analyse and evaluate issues arising from the topics studied, and the views
and arguments of the scholars prescribed for study.
Students should also be able to use specialist language and terminology appropriately.
Questions may be set that span more than one topic.
Arguments for the existence of God
Design
• Presentation: Paley’s analogical argument.
• Criticisms: Hume.
Ontological
• Presentation: Anselm’s a priori argument.
• Criticisms: Gaunilo and Kant.
Cosmological
• Presentation: Aquinas' Way 3. The argument from contingency and necessity.
• Criticisms: Hume and Russell.
Students should study the basis of each argument in observation or in thought, the strengths and
weaknesses of the arguments, their status as ‘proofs’, their value for religious faith and the
relationship between reason and faith.
Evil and suffering
The problem of evil and suffering.
• The concepts of natural and moral evil.
• The logical and evidential problem of evil.
• Responses to the problem of evil and suffering.
• Hick’s soul making theodicy.
• The free will defence.
Visit aqa.org.uk/7062 for the most up-to-date specification, resources, support and administration 11
