3. Problems of evil and suffering

• Who formulated the problem of evil in philosophy?

  Epicurus
• What is natural evil?

  Evil resulting from the workings of the natural world, such as disasters and disease
• Why is natural evil a problem for God's existence?

  Because God could have designed a world without natural evil
• What is moral evil?

  Evil caused by human actions, such as murder and torture
• Why does moral evil pose a problem for God's existence?

  Because it raises the question of why God doesn’t intervene to prevent it
• What is the logical problem of evil?

  The argument that evil and the God of classical theism cannot coexist
• What does Epicurus question about God in relation to evil?

  Whether God is willing but not able, able but not willing, both, or neither
• What is Mackie's 'inconsistent triad' argument?

  That the God of classical theism cannot exist if evil exists
• What does omnipotence entail according to the logical problem of evil?

  The power to eliminate evil
• What does omnibenevolence entail according to the logical problem of evil?

  The motivation to prevent evil
• What conclusion can be drawn if evil exists according to the logical problem of evil?

  An omnibenevolent and omnipotent God cannot exist
• What is the structure of the logical problem of evil's argument?

  P1: An omnipotent God can eliminate evil; P2: An omnibenevolent God wants to eliminate evil; C1: Therefore, evil and God cannot coexist
• What is the difference between a priori and a posteriori arguments?

  A priori arguments are based on logical analysis, while a posteriori arguments are based on experience
• What does the evidential problem of evil argue?

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

  As an empiricist, focusing on the evidence of evil in the world
• What are Hume's points regarding animal suffering?

  He questions why nature allows animals to feel pain
• What does Hume conclude about the existence of God?

  That the evidence of misfortunes makes belief in God unjustified
• What is Augustine's theodicy focused on?

  The origin of sin and humanity's predisposition to sin
• What is Original Sin according to Augustine?

  The idea that the first sin resulted in a corruption in all humanity
• How does Augustine explain the inheritance of Original Sin?

  All humans inherit Original Sin from Adam and Eve
• What does Augustine claim about the nature of evil?

  Evil is a privation of good, meaning it is the absence of good
• What is Plantinga's 'free will defense'?

  That evil results from the misuse of free will
• How does Plantinga address the existence of natural evil?

  By suggesting it could result from the free will of demons or punishment for Adam and Eve's actions
• Why does Plantinga argue that free will is necessary?

  Because a universe without free will would have no value
• What conclusion does Plantinga reach about the existence of evil?

  It is better for evil to exist than not to, as it allows for free will
• What is a strength of Augustine's theodicy against the logical problem of evil?

  It logically allows for evil as either sin or punishment for sin
• What is a weakness of Augustine's theodicy?

  It seems unfair to punish descendants for Adam's sin
• How does Augustine justify suffering in children?

  He claims it is God's justice for original sin
• What does the logical problem of evil claim about God's attributes?

  That God cannot be both omnibenevolent and omnipotent if evil exists
• What is the conclusion of the logical problem of evil?

  That it is logically impossible for God and evil to coexist
• What does the evidential problem of evil argue about belief in God?

  That belief in God is unjustified due to the evidence of evil
• What is the natural instinct that Islam teaches we are all born with?

  The instinct to choose between right and wrong
• According to Buddhism, where does evil originate?

  Evil is created within ourselves
• How do theists generally view their understanding of God's mind?

  They accept they do not know the mind of God
• What are the two types of evil discussed in the study material?

  • Natural evil: caused by the natural state of things (e.g., natural disasters, illnesses)
  • Moral evil: results from human intentions and choices (e.g., shootings, injustice)
• What does Augustine claim about the existence of evil?

  Evil does not exist; it is the privation of good
• What are examples of natural evils?

  Natural disasters, everyday suffering, injuries
• What are examples of moral evils?

  Shooting, rape, injustice, murder
• What is Epicurus's argument regarding God and evil?

  God must lack ability, will, or awareness of evil
• According to theists, what is the cause of moral evil?

  Human exertion of free will