Anselmianism
|an-sel-mi-an-ism|
🇺🇸
/ænˈsɛlmiənɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ænˈsɛlmɪənɪzəm/
doctrines of Anselm
Etymology
'Anselmianism' originates from Modern English, specifically the word 'Anselmian' (formed from the proper name 'Anselm') with the noun-forming suffix '-ism', where 'Anselm' ultimately derives from Old Germanic elements 'ans' meaning 'god' and 'helm' meaning 'protection' or 'helmet'.
'Anselmianism' developed from the personal name 'Anselm' (Latin 'Anselmus', from Old Germanic), which entered Middle English as 'Anselm'; the adjective 'Anselmian' (meaning 'of or relating to Anselm') was later combined with '-ism' in Modern English to denote the doctrines associated with him.
Initially it simply meant 'of or relating to Anselm (the person)'; over time it came to mean specifically 'the doctrines or philosophical/theological positions associated with Anselm', particularly his ontological argument.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the theological and philosophical doctrines associated with Saint Anselm of Canterbury, especially his arguments for the existence of God (notably the ontological argument).
Medieval scholars studied Anselmianism to understand the development of medieval metaphysics and arguments for God's existence.
Synonyms
Noun 2
adherence to or advocacy of Anselm's specific philosophical positions, such as versions of the ontological argument or particular theological emphases found in his writings.
Some contemporary philosophers defend elements of Anselmianism in modern formulations of the ontological argument.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/29 07:04