Argument from Eminence

DemonstrativeConcludes that something exists.

Argument form

Reductio ad absurdum (were the most eminent being finite, a possible infinite would exceed it)

Concludes to

Infinite or maximal being (an infinite being, identified with the most eminent)

Premise ground

Conceptual (infinity is not repugnant to being; the infinite exceeds the finite in perfection)

Modal strength

Actual

What it licenses

• infinite
• maximal perfection (most eminent)

Period

Medieval (c. 1300)

Tradition

Scotist

This formulation is ours, composed from the primary source and compressed to fit the card; the argument admits of other statements. Objections have been made to every argument in the deck; where one is linked above, it is chosen by us, not written by us.

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