ince he has this idea in his understanding, it exists (70). He is saying that just because the boy thought of the idea in his mind does not mean that the toy is actually in reality. Simply because the boy thinks the toy would be better if he was actually able to play with it does not mean that he is able to have it. Gaunilo contradicts Anselm when he describes his island. The island is defined as the greatest undiscovered place that can be imagined. If you claimed that you know that this place did exist then you have been there, you have discovered the island. Therefore this island is not the greatest thing imaginable because you discovered it. Gaunilo is not saying that God does not exist because someone has seen Him. He is saying that a person cannot come to the conclusion that God exists through Anselms argument. He brings up the idea that Anselms is an impossible argument. The idea of something existing just because you believe it or conceive it to is ridiculous to Gaunilo. Anyone can think of something they want to imagine and say that since it is said to be perfect then it exists somewhere in this world. To Gaunilo, Anselms idea consists of a great deal of wishful thinking. There has to be more concrete evidence to back up the argument for it to be believed. Gods existence remains a question to many. All sorts of people have an opinion. Whether or not you agree with Anselms approach on the existence of God does not mean you doubt that He really does exist. If you disagree with his method, like Gaunilo, you simply want more accurate evidence to support the idea. God, like your island or toy, is not just there because you wished it to be or because it would be better and more perfect if these things did exist. If you agree with his method, you understand that you do not always have to touch everything you conceive of in your mind. Things in life exist for a reason. The question remains: whose reason a...
