BASA

46 So, But But Thus, Thus, So, But Thus, Thus, So, A . (1) J . Hopkins If anything can be thought but does not exist, then if it were to exist, it would be able (either actually or conceivably) not to exist (premise). (2) if N can be thought but N does not exist, then if N were to exist, N would be able (either actually or conceivably) not to exist - instance of (1) . (3) it is not the case that if N were to exist, N would be able (either actually or conceivably) not to exist. (a) What is not able (either actually or conceivably) not to exist is greater than what is able (either actually or conceivably) not to exist (presupposition) . (b) If if N were to exist N were able (either actually or conceivably) not to exist, then N could be thought to be greater than it is. (c) it is not the case than N can be thought to be greater than it is. (d) it is not the case that if N were to exist N would be able (either actually or conceivably) not to exist. (4) it is not the case that N can be thought but N does not exist (2) (3). (5) if N can be thought, N exists (4). B. (1) (2) (3) If N can be thought, then N exists (conclusion of A). If N exists, then N is not able not to exist. (a) What is not able not to exist is greater than what is able not to exist (presupposition). (b) If N exists but N is able not to exist, then N can be thought to be greater than it is. (c) it is not the case that N can be thought to be greater than it is. (d) it is not the case that N exists and N is able not to exist. (e) if N exists, N is not able not to exist. if N can be thought, then N is not able not to exist (1) (2). For Gaunilo's sake as well as for ours Anselm ought to have formulated his argument more explicitly. Still, he formulated it fully enough to allow the reader to detect its structure and validity. 5.3. A third argument begins at S I, 131:12 (and it would