Problem of evil Flashcards
What is Moral Evil?
Moral Evil refers to suffering caused by human actions, such as murder and oppression.
What is Natural Evil?
Natural Evil refers to suffering that arises from natural events, such as earthquakes and diseases.
What do philosophers argue about the nature of evil?
Philosophers argue whether evil is a real force or merely the absence of good (privation).
What is the Logical Problem of Evil?
The Logical Problem of Evil posits that God’s existence and evil cannot logically coexist, as argued by philosophers like Epicurus and J.L. Mackie.
What is the Problem of Evil?
The Problem of Evil is a significant challenge to the belief in an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God.
What is the Evidential Problem of Evil?
The Evidential Problem of Evil focuses on the vast scale of suffering as evidence against the existence of God, illustrated by William Rowe’s forest fire analogy and Gregory Paul’s statistics on pregnancy loss.
What is Augustine’s explanation for the existence of evil?
Augustine argues that evil results from humanity’s misuse of free will and not from God; it is a consequence of turning away from good.
What does the Soul-Making Theodicy propose?
The Soul-Making Theodicy, proposed by John Hick, asserts that suffering helps individuals grow morally and spiritually, thereby making life meaningful.
What is the Free Will Defence?
The Free Will Defence states that humans must have the freedom to choose good or evil for love and moral actions to be genuine.
What challenge does Augustine’s explanation face?
Augustine’s explanation struggles to account for the existence of natural disasters or the suffering of innocent beings.
What questions does the Soul-Making idea raise?
The Soul-Making idea raises difficult questions about why suffering needs to be so extreme, particularly for children or animals.
Who is responsible for Moral Evil?
People are responsible for the harm they cause, which constitutes Moral Evil.
What is the issue with Natural Evil in relation to human control?
Natural Evil feels unfair because humans cannot control it, leading to difficult questions regarding God’s justice.
What is the implication of God and suffering?
If God exists, He must bear some responsibility for allowing suffering, which raises concerns about His fairness and love.
What does free will allow in relation to moral choices?
Real moral choices require free will, even when it permits bad choices; suffering can also foster compassion and resilience.
Why do theodicies like Free Will and Soul-Making fall short?
These defences do not adequately explain extreme suffering, particularly from natural disasters or innocent victims.
How can the definition of evil be broadened?
By expanding the definition of evil to include environmental destruction and animal suffering, individuals are prompted to consider broader moral responsibilities.
What does the Problem of Evil prompt individuals to do?
The Problem of Evil encourages people to continuously reflect on their beliefs about God, morality, and justice.
What is the Epicurean Paradox?
The Epicurean Paradox questions how an all-powerful, all-good God can allow evil to exist.
What is J.L. Mackie’s Inconsistent Triad?
Mackie’s Inconsistent Triad posits that God’s power, goodness, and the existence of evil cannot all be logically true simultaneously.
What is Rowe’s Analogy about?
Rowe’s Analogy uses the example of a fawn dying painfully in a forest fire to illustrate pointless suffering that challenges God’s goodness.
What staggering estimate does Gregory Paul offer regarding Natural Evil?
Gregory Paul estimates that 300 billion pregnancies end before birth, which represents a staggering level of suffering compared to human-caused atrocities.
What does Augustine mean by “Felix Culpa”?
Augustine’s term “Felix Culpa” refers to humanity’s sin (evil) being “fortunate” as it led to Christ’s redemption.
What perspective does Ivan in Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov have?
Ivan rejects faith in God because he cannot reconcile innocent suffering with a loving God, highlighting the emotional weight of the issue.
