Mary Midgley's response to the problem of evil Flashcards
What did Mary Midgley’s argument aim to prove about the problem of evil and suffering?
Aimed to remove the problem of God, as she believes he does not exist. she also aimed to explain the origin and reason for evil. or what she called ‘ wickedness’.
What type of argument is Mary Midgley’s wickedness argument?
It was an attack on the problem of evil form an atheist defence. Therefore, it is neither a defence nor a theodicy. It is a suggestion for the possible origin of evil.
What was Mary Midgley’s opinion of the problem of evil and suffering?
She believed the constant blaming of evil onto non-human action leads to a cycle of questioning that solves no practical issues. She believes that a person cannot be wholly evil or wholly good, merely that they can misuse their free will in a way that produces wickedness.
What were the two types of wickedness she believed in?
‘followers,’ and ‘instigators’
what are ‘followers’?
They are people who are complicit and take part in the actions of instigators without realising or being ignorant to the damage they have caused. This is why they are referred to as ‘followers’.
What is an example of a ‘follower’
Adolf Eichmann was a senior SS officer responsible for the deportation of millions of Jews into death camps during WW2. Many believe he was a hard-working individual who simply wanted to rise to the top of society. This led to his deserved historical condemnation of one of the most infamous war criminals of all time. Although he was not responsible for the implementation of ‘the final solution’ by the Nazi’s, he was largely involved in its manifestation.
What is an example of an ‘instigator’?
An instigator is a moral agent who deliberately intends and understands the meaning of the wickedness they produce. This may be a person stealing from a shop, or a murderer.
