anti-anselmian
|an-ti-an-sel-mi-an|
/ˌæn.tiˌænˈsɛl.mi.ən/
against Anselm / opposing Anselm's views
Etymology
'anti-anselmian' is formed from the Greek prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against', the proper name 'Anselm' (from Old Germanic 'Anshelm'/'Anselm'), and the adjectival suffix '-ian' (from Latin/French) meaning 'relating to' or 'belonging to'.
The element 'Anselm' comes from Old Germanic 'Anshelm' (elements 'ans' = 'god' and 'helm' = 'helmet/protection'). English formed adjective compounds using 'anti-' + proper name + '-ian' (e.g. 'anti-Pelagian', 'anti-Calvinist'), producing 'anti-anselmian' in modern academic usage to denote opposition to Anselm or his doctrines.
Initially the components simply identified opposition to a person named Anselm; over time the compound has come to be used specifically in theological and philosophical contexts to denote rejection of Anselm's characteristic doctrines (notably the ontological argument).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is opposed to the doctrines or arguments of Anselm (e.g., someone who rejects Anselm's ontological argument).
Several anti-anselmians responded to the lecture with detailed objections.
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Adjective 1
opposed to the theological or philosophical doctrines associated with Anselm of Canterbury, especially rejecting Anselm's ontological argument or related positions.
The paper takes an anti-anselmian stance, critiquing the ontological argument for God's existence.
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Last updated: 2025/09/29 08:13