Problem Of Evil Flashcards
What is Aquinass definition of natural evil
Only evil when it’s looked at for a human perspective, earthquakes are just the natural world fulfilling its potential, humans only consider things evil when it harms humans.
How does Aquinas’s view of natural evil link to his views of teleology and purpose?
Nature is fulfilling its purpose it’s not evil.
The arbitrary nature or natural evil
Is nature random, or is it God and if it is God then why do natural disaster only target certain areas of the world and why do natural disasters only effect certain people?
What is Aquinas’s definition of moral evil?
It is cause by humanity turning away from its true potential, moral evil is evil that comes through the actions of mankind. Humans are free agents, they’re responsible for their actions and the consequent results.
Quote by CS Lewis about God allowing suffering…
“We are like blocks of stone our is which the sculptor carves the forms of man. Blows of his chisel, which hurt us so much, are what make us perfect.” CS lewis
What is the nature of the ‘problem’ of evil?
Evil is only a ‘problem’ when believing in a God with divine attributes
What are the two aspects to this ‘problem’ of evil?
The logical problem- (Gods attributes and evil)
The evidential problem- (evidence of evil in the world)
Logical aspects: Epicurus
The inconsistent triad:
1. God is willing but not able to prevent evil, then he is not omnipotent.
2. God is able to prevent evil but not willing, then God is not omnibenevolent.
3. If god is both able and willing then why do we suffer
What did Epicurus conclude from the inconsistent triad?
It is reasonable to suppose that due to the existence of evil, God is either not omnipotent or all loving or God doesn’t exist.
What does David Hume say in ‘Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion’
