The Problem of Evil

• What are the two versions of the summary notes for the Problem of Evil topic?

  A*-A grade and B-C grade summary notes
• Why is the Problem of Evil topic described as not being able to be split into neat paragraphs?

  It consists of jigsaw puzzle pieces that need to be arranged for essays
• What are the key components of the Problem of Evil topic that need to be learned?

  • The logical problem of evil
  • The evidential problem of evil
  • Augustine’s theodicy
  • Evaluation of Augustine vs the logical problem
  • Evaluation of Augustine vs the evidential problem
  • Irenaeus/Hick’s theodicy
  • Evaluation of Irenaeus/Hick vs the logical problem
  • Evaluation of Irenaeus/Hick vs the evidential problem
  • The issue of theodicies vs free will
• What is the logical problem of evil according to Mackie?


  It is a deductive argument showing that the existence of evil is inconsistent with the existence of the God of classical theism
• Who was one of the first philosophers to formulate the problem of evil?

  Epicurus
• What are the implications of Epicurus's questions regarding God's nature and the existence of evil?

  If God is willing but not able, He isn't omnipotent; if able but not willing, He isn't omnibenevolent; if both, then why is there evil?
• What is Mackie's inconsistent triad regarding the logical problem of evil?

  It consists of the premises that an omnipotent God can eliminate evil, an omnibenevolent God has the motivation to eliminate evil, and that evil cannot coexist with such a God
• Why is Mackie's argument considered deductive?

  Because there is no logical way for the premises to be true yet the conclusion false
• What does it mean for Mackie's argument to be a priori?

  It does not reference experience and is based on logical analysis of terms
• What is the conclusion of the logical problem of evil?

  If evil exists, it is impossible that God exists
• Who first put forward the evidential problem of evil?


  David Hume
• What does Hume argue regarding the coexistence of God and evil?

  He believes it is technically possible for a perfect God to create an imperfect world
• What are the pieces of evidence Hume presents regarding the evidential problem of evil?

  1. Animal suffering
  2. Limited abilities of creatures to ensure survival and happiness
  3. Nature's extremes making survival difficult
  4. Lack of divine intervention in natural disasters
• What is Hume's main point regarding evidence of imperfection in the world?


  It cannot be justified to believe in a perfect God if the only evidence we have is imperfection
• What is the conclusion of the evidential problem of evil?

  The existence of evil is sufficient evidence against God's existence, making belief in God unjustified
• How does Augustine explain the existence of evil?

  Evil exists because humanity created it and deserves it as punishment for sin
• What does Augustine mean by "Evil is privatio boni"?


  Evil is an absence of good and does not have positive existence
• What is the scientific critique of Augustine's doctrine of original sin?

  Scientific evidence shows we evolved, and Genesis cannot be literally true
• How does Stephen Pinker's research challenge Augustine's doctrine of original sin?


  It shows that humanity has morally improved over time, contradicting the idea of original sin
• What is Pelagius's argument against Augustine's view of original sin?

  He argues that sinful behavior is a result of culture and upbringing, not nature
• What is the ethical issue raised by Pelagius regarding original sin?

  It is unjust for God to punish humanity for the actions of Adam and Eve
• How does Augustine respond to Pelagius's ethical concerns about original sin?

  He attributes it to the "secret yet just judgement of God" that is inscrutable to humans
• What biblical evidence does Augustine use to support his views?

  He cites Psalm 25:10 and the book of Job to illustrate God's justice
• What is the problem with Augustine's theodicy regarding a child who suffers from cancer?

  It suggests that a child who dies of cancer somehow deserved it, which seems incompatible with a loving God
• What is Irenaeus and Hick's theodicy regarding the purpose of evil?


  • Evil serves the good purpose of soul-making (character development)
  • A good person is someone who chooses good over evil
  • God allows evil to exist to give us a chance to become good people
• How does Hick explain the concept of epistemic distance?

  God must 'hide' Himself to allow genuine character development, as knowing God exists would lead to obedience out of fear, not virtue
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Irenaeus and Hick's theodicy against the evidential problem?

  Strengths:

  • Evidence that overcoming evil develops character and virtue
  • Character development is seen in literature and life experiences

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Some evil is purposeless (dysteleological)
  • Examples like child suffering and the Holocaust challenge the soul-making argument
• What is D.Z. Phillips's criticism of Hick's theodicy?

  He questions whether anyone can truly develop virtue through extreme suffering
• What is the main idea behind the concept of soul-making in relation to encountering evil?

  Encountering and overcoming evil develops a person's character and virtue.
• What happens to a person who goes through harsh struggles according to the soul-making theodicy?

  A person becomes stronger and gains compassion for others.
• What is an example of dysteleological evil mentioned in the study material?


  A child who dies of cancer.
• What does D Z Phillips criticize about Hick's theodicy?


  He questions whether anyone could justify the Holocaust because a few survivors were strengthened by it.
• How does Hick's concept of epistemic distance relate to the existence of evil?

  If God made His existence obvious, people would obey out of fear, not develop personal virtue.
• Why does Hick argue that a world with random evil is necessary for soul-making?


  It allows individuals the opportunity to grow from their experiences of evil.
• What is a strength of the soul-making theodicy regarding human development?

  Creating fully developed souls is logically impossible because it requires making a choice between good and evil.
• What does Mackie's logical problem of evil argue?


  An all-powerful and all-loving God cannot exist if evil exists.
• How does Dostoyevsky's character Ivan critique the justification of evil?

  He argues that no good person or God would design a system where innocent children's suffering leads to others gaining heaven.
• What is Ivan's main moral objection to the soul-making process?


  Building heaven on the suffering of innocent children is indecent and morally unacceptable.
• How does Ivan's critique challenge Hick's defenses?

  It highlights that the possibility of soul-making does not justify the existence of purposeless evil.
• What do all theodicies attempt to link regarding God and evil?

  They try to link God's allowance of evil to the concept of free will.