The Problem of Evil

Question 1

Critically compare the logical and evidential aspects of the problem of evil as challenges to belief.
EVIDENTIAL IS BETTER

Answer 1

1) Hick’s theodicy
2) Augustine’s theodicy
3) Deductive (L) vs Inductive (E)

Question 2

‘Augustine’s theodicy justifies evils in the world.’ Discuss.
DISAGREE

Answer 2

1) Natural Evil
2) Moral Evil
3) Logical inconsistency

Question 3

‘Hick’s theodicy justifies evils in the world.’ Discuss.
DISAGREE

Answer 3

1) Natural Evil (is all evil instrumental?)
2) Moral Evil (Free will/God’s intent)
3) Views about the afterlife

Question 4

‘Natural evil has no purpose.’ Discuss.
NO PURPOSE

Answer 4

1) Hick’s theodicy
2) Augustine’s theodicy
3) Quantity/extent of evil

Question 5

Critically compare Augustine and Hick’s theodicies in their attempts to defend God against the problem of evil.
HICK IS BETTER

Answer 5

1) Natural Evil
2) Evidential problem
3) God’s benevolence + intent

Question 6

Exam specification (problem of evil)

Answer 6

• Theodicies (Hick and Augustine)
• Different presentations of the problem of evil and suffering (logical and evidential)