Evidential problem of evil

• What is the evidential problem of evil?

  We see people do suffer, and would assume the God of classical theism would want to stop this
• What does John Stuart Mill say about the evidential problem of evil?

  Evidence points towards a sadistic creator who behaves in ways we would usually condemn
• What does Stephen Fry say about the evidential problem of evil?

  “Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid God who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?“
• Who developed Mill’s argument for the evidential problem of evil?

  William Rowe
• What was Rowe’s argument p?

  Intense suffering is evidence that God doesn’t exist - eg a fawn in a forest fire:

  • This animal would suffer unnecessarily, not for any greater good
  • An omniscient and omnibenevolent God would see the suffering and want to stop it, but such suffering does happen, so God probably doesn’t exist
• Who could dispute Rowe’s argument?

  Descartes
• How does Descartes dispute Rowe’s argument?

  Animals don’t have souls so don’t feel pain, so suffering for animals may be insignificant