The Problem Of Evil

• Who formulated the problem of evil?

  Epicurus
• What is natural evil?

  Evil resulting from natural world events
• Why is natural evil a problem for God's existence?

  God could have created a world without it
• What is moral evil?

  Evil caused by human actions
• Why does moral evil challenge God's existence?

  God could intervene to prevent it
• What is the logical problem of evil?

  Evil and classical theism cannot coexist
• What does Mackie's 'inconsistent triad' argue?

  God, evil, and omnibenevolence cannot coexist
• What does omnipotence entail?

  The power to eliminate evil
• What does omnibenevolence entail?

  The motivation to prevent evil
• What is the conclusion of the logical problem of evil?

  God cannot exist if evil exists
• What is an a priori argument?

  Conclusion based on logical analysis
• What is an a posteriori argument?

  Conclusion based on experience and evidence
• What does the evidential problem of evil argue?

  Evil makes belief in God unjustified
• How does Hume approach the problem of evil?

  As an empiricist using evidence of evil
• What is the first point Hume makes about animal suffering?

  Nature could reduce animal pain
• What does Hume say about God's intervention in natural disasters?

  God could prevent individual disasters
• What is Augustine's theodicy based on?

  The origin of sin and human predisposition
• What is 'the Fall' in Augustine's theodicy?

  Adam and Eve's disobedience and punishment
• What is Original Sin according to Augustine?

  Corruption inherited from Adam and Eve
• How does Augustine view evil?

  As a privation of good, not a positive existence
• What is Plantinga's 'free will defence'?

  Evil results from the misuse of free will
• Why does Plantinga argue free will is necessary?

  It gives value to our existence
• What is the conclusion of Plantinga's argument?

  It is better for evil to exist than not
• What is a strength of Augustine's theodicy?

  It logically allows for moral responsibility
• What is a weakness of Augustine's theodicy?

  It seems unfair to punish descendants
• How does Augustine justify suffering in children?

  As God's justice for original sin
• What does Augustine argue about original sin?

  All future humanity is infected by it
• Why do we deserve punishment according to Augustine?

  Because we are sinful beings
• What is a weakness in Augustine's argument regarding original sin?

  It's not our fault we have original sin
• What do followers of Pelagius argue about Adam's crime?

  It is not a personal crime of descendants
• Why is it considered unjust to punish descendants for Adam's sin?

  It seems unfair, especially for children
• How does Augustine justify suffering in children?

  Through God's secret yet just judgement
• What biblical reference does Augustine use to support his argument?

  Psalm 25:10
• What does Augustine suggest about children suffering from natural evil?

  It could be the work of demons
• What is a major criticism of Augustine's theodicy?

  It fails to account for innocent children's suffering
• How does Augustine view adult suffering due to original sin?

  Adults deserve punishment for original sin
• What does Pelagius argue about the inclination towards evil?

  It is due to upbringing, not nature
• What evidence does G. K. Chesterton provide for original sin?

  It can be seen in human behavior
• What personal experience did Augustine reflect on regarding sin?

  Stealing pears for pleasure
• What scientific evidence contradicts Augustine's view on original sin?

  Genetic diversity suggests otherwise