INTRODUCTION
0.1 The Background to the Study
Philosophers, on religion argue on the question of whether morality is a function of
religion or exists outside of it. While some think morality depends on religion in the same way
that hunger determines eating, others think morality depends on a God who establishes objective
standards or rewards and punishments. Some contend that morality is a question of personal
choice or cultural norms.1
Hence, throughout history, the existence of God has been a recurring philosophical
question motivated by human reason. God was considered a key paradigm of knowledge in the
medieval age, although the arguments for God's existence date back to Aristotle and Plato. Given
the prominence of Christianity and religion throughout the medieval age, it is sometimes said
that this is the time when God was debated more, making it an important time in philosophical
debate. This argument carries on even if there was no God or divine beings in ancient times.
Consequently, the existence of God raises metaphysical questions about reality and
existence. There are numerous concepts of God, even among monotheistic traditions. Abrahamic
religions are theistic, with God being both the creator and sustainer of the world. Theism, a
midpoint between deism and pantheism, emphasizes divine transcendence and immanence
within the universe. Theism which this work is centred on holds that God is a person, that is, a
personal entity. A person is defined as an individual possessing fundamental abilities (such as the
capacity to act purposefully), goals, and beliefs. 2 While Deist conceptions see God as the creator
of a universe, and pantheism identifies God with the universe as a whole. Granted that, if it is
impossible to imagine or speak about God, then there can be no philosophical debate concerning
1
Paul, Helm, "philosophy of religion," Encyclopedia Britannica, November 9, 2022.
[Link] (accessed 01/12/2023).
2
Richard Swinburn, The Existence of God, rev. ed. (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003): 1.
1
him. Extreme examples of this include metaphysical language, humanistic language, and
equivocal language. Human goodness requirements are violated by unclear language, and
transcendent references are eliminated when language is anthropomorphic in nature reducing
God to human attributes.3
For centuries, individuals have argued over the existence of God, leading to both
acceptance and denial of it. Philosophers differ in their views on this matter; some claim it
is fetish, while others consider it to be religious. Philosophers don't always agree with one
another as a result of this argument. And so, one prominent figure in the contemporary
philosophy of religion is Alvin Carl Plantinga; an American Philosopher, an analytic and a
prominent philosopher whose primary works are centred on religion epistemology and logic
respectively. A 20th era philosopher who served as president of the Society of Christian
Philosophers from 1983 to 1986. Alvin Plantinga is well known for his work in religious
philosophy and epistemology, especially in Reformed Epistemology, which questions the
conventional view of God based on clear reasons or evidence.
Plantinga argues that faith in God is reasonable and justifiable even in the absence of
specific proof or reasons. Plantinga introduces the concept of warrant in his influential work
"Warranted Christian Belief", defining it as a quality that transforms true belief into knowledge.
He contends that even in the absence of clear evidence or a convincing argument, faith in God
can have justification in a healthy cognitive environment.
In addition, Plantinga presents the idea of "sensus divinitatis," which denotes an inborn
perception of the divine in all people. Plantinga claims that this perception of the divine might
offer a logical basis for faith in God. Hence, this argument, influenced by Anselm of Canterbury
3
Paul, Helm, "philosophy of religion."
2
and later refined by Descartes and Leibniz, aims to prove God's existence without empirical
evidence.
Though Plantinga's ideas have had a significant impact, it's essential to remember that
there are many distinct philosophical viewpoints and arguments and critiques made by
philosophers in the complicated and diverse debate over God's existence, which I will further
expose in this essay.
0.2 Statement of The Problem
In view of this work on the existence of God, a modal version of the ontological
argument is used, especially in "The Nature of Necessity", whereby the modal ontological
argument aims to prove God's existence. By pointing out that God may exist in a hypothetical
universe. The term "maximal greatness" is introduced in this modal ontological argument, and it
raises the possibility that a maximally great being, God, exists in a possible world. Hence,
Plantinga argues that if it is possible for God to exist, therefore God must exist in the real world.
Consequently, this essay attempts to determine the adequacy as well as the proof of God’s
existence, stemming from the various philosophers who have derived a notion in pointing out the
validity in proving the concept of God and His existence.
0.3 The Aim of the Study
This essay seeks to explore and proof the existence of God in Plantinga’s argument that
has been the focus of several debates and critiques. Notwithstanding, the fact that philosophers
differ in their questions about the transition from possibility to actual reality, some opposing the
claim that maximal greatness is logical or possible. And also, the various critics contending that
Plantinga's modal logic may not offer enough evidence to support the existence of a maximally
great being.
3
0.4 The Scope of the Study
The question of God's existence has historically given rise to different theories, dating
from the time of the ancient Greeks to the different eras covered by human records, none of
which have been able to settle on a philosopher's answer. In light of this, we agree to examine
Alvin Plantinga's argument and any potential issues in order to guarantee that they are as
critically examined as possible. As the debates move further, the perspectives of various
philosophers about this matter in conjunction with the common position will be highlighted.
Therefore, even if we may make references to other potential topics, the viewpoints under
examination in this essay will be philosophical in nature.
0.5 Methodology
Obviously, I will use analytical, explanatory, and critical approaches in light of the
challenges to the argument for the existence of God. This is further demonstrated by the chapters
that follows; The first discusses the idea of God and His existence before Aquinas and other
divergent philosophers, while the second chapter addresses the reasons for God's existence as a
whole, taking into account the four different ways that God has been portrayed. Although Alvin
Plantinga's modal ontological argument and his ontological argument about God as a maximally
great being are covered in the third chapter. The evaluation of Alvin Plantinga's ontological
argument for God's existence will be covered in the fourth chapter, along with some differing
philosophical viewpoints supporting and critiquing Plantinga's position. Finally, the relevance of
Plantinga's argument up to this point will be discussed. Ultimately, the bibliography in the end
serves as a pointer for future study, concluding the debate of this thesis.