Problem of Evil

Question 1

Evidential Problem of Evil

Answer 1

Inductive argument (based on our experience of the world and reaches a conclusion in terms of likelihood)

The evidential problem of evil rests on the grounds of the unmerited physical suffering evident in the world, and from this we conclude existence of God from traditional theism is unlikely.

Question 2

Logical Problem of Evil

Answer 2

1. If God exists then he is omniscient, omnipotent and perfectly good.
2. The existence of evil is incompatible with the existence of such a God.
3. Evil exists in the form of unmerited physical suffering (physical evil)
4. Evil exists as a result of wilful human action (moral evil)
5. Therefore, there is no omniscient, omnipotent, omnibenevolent God.

Question 3

The Free Will Defence

Plantinga - response to POE

Answer 3

1. A world containing creatures that are significantly free is better than a world containing no free creatures
2. God can create significantly free creatures
3. To be significant;y free is to be capable of both moral good and moral evil.
4. If significantly free creatures were caused only to do what is good then such creatures wouldn’t be free.
5. Therefore, God cannot cause significantly free creatures to do only what is right.
6. Therefore, God can only eliminate the moral evil done by significantly free creatures by eliminating the greater good of significantly free creautes.

Question 4

Soul Making Theodicy

Hick - response to POE

Answer 4

Part of our creation involves bringing each individual freely towards personal, ethical, and spiritual virtues. This development is impossible if there is is no evil to respond to and correct

(e.g we can’t learn courage without danger)

a world with no evil may be suitable for perfected creatures, but it isn no good for helping unperfected creatures like us develop.

e.g - pain is necessary for pleasure

Question 5

Soul Making Theodicy

Irenaeus

Answer 5

The development of man requires the experience of sin and pain, that this world was a place of probation, a vale of soul-making and as such, ideally suited for its purpose.

Irenaeus argued that evil things are needed; the challenge of suffering allows you to prove yourself and hone in on your free will.