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Philosophy A level > The problem of Evil - St Augustine and J.L Mackie > Flashcards

The problem of Evil - St Augustine and J.L Mackie Flashcards

1
Q

What is the concept of the “Inconsistent triad” ?

A
  • God is omniscient/ omnipotent and omnibenevolent. However evil exists so either his omniscient, omnipotent or omnibenevolent qualities must be logically incorrect and therefore wrong
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2
Q

Who created the concept of the Inconsistent Triad?

A

J. L Mackie

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3
Q

Quotes supporting the inconsistent triad (Epicurus)

A

“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence evil? “

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4
Q

Who else supports the inconsistent triad?

A

David Hume

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5
Q

What is the evidential problem of evil?

A

An argument that widespread, seemingly gratuitous suffering and evil provide strong evidence against the existence of a traditional, all-powerful, all- knowing and wholly good God.

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6
Q

What does the evidential problem of evil assert?

A

The observable presence of unnecessary suffering and evil is strong empirical evidence that such a God likely does not exist.

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7
Q

How does the evidential problem of evil challenge God?

A

Challenges the existence of a traditional God by pointing to the existence of unnecessary suffering and evil.

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8
Q

Solutions to the problem : Denying God’s existence

A

He cannot control evil so cannot be blamed for its continued existence

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9
Q

Which theological view prefers the solution of denying God’s omnipotence?

A

Process theology

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10
Q

What does Process Theology say about evil?

A

Evil is a process within matter that is beyond God’s direct control

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11
Q

What are the problems with the idea of a non-omnipotent God for most believers?

A
  • most believers think a God who is not omnipotent would not be worth of worship.
  • a non-omnipotent God would not be ‘God’
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12
Q

Why would a non- omnipotent God not be considered ‘God’?

A

God’s omnipotence is a matter of faith and without it, he would not be considered ‘God’

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13
Q

Why is denying God’s omnibenevolence problematic for most Christians?

A

Christians believe God’s goodness and love provides comfort during evil and form the basis of hope for future life in heaven

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14
Q

What quote supports the belief in God’s goodness and future hope?

A

“God will wipe away every tear”
“neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore”
- Revelation 21:4

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15
Q

How does God’s omnibenevolence give hope to christians?

A

It promises the end of suffering and death, offering hope for eternal life in heaven.

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16
Q

How does St. Augustine describe evil?

A

Evil is a privation of good

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17
Q

What is “privation of good” ?

A

Evil is the absence of good rather than something that exists in its own right

18
Q

What is a positive aspect of denying the existence of evil?

A

Just as darkness is the absence of light, evil could be seen as the absence of good, removing the logical ‘problem’ to solve

19
Q

What is the problem with denying the reality of evil?

A

Most people have experienced the power of evil and view it as tangible as goodness, making this solution seem acceptable

20
Q

Solutions that suggest why God allows evil?

A
  • The free will Defense
  • John Hick’s eschatological solution
21
Q

Who is St Augustine (Key Scholar) ?

A
  • Early Christian theologian and philosopher
22
Q

Define the term “Theodicy”

A
  • Means ‘righteous God’ or ‘defense of God’
  • An argument that suggests God is right to allow the existence of evil and suffering because they are necessary
23
Q

What does Augustine’s theodicy discuss?

A

The idea that both God and evil exist as evil is necessary in this world

24
Q

Why does Augustine believe God allows evil and suffering?

A

Augustine believes they are important for human nature and development.

25
Q

How does Augustine view suffering in relation to God’s justice?

A

Views suffering as a punishment for human sin which God is just to Allow

26
Q

What does Augustine say about God’s creation and a quote?

A

God is good and he created a perfect world. “God saw what he had made and it was good” (Genesis 1:31)

27
Q

How does Augustine explain evil?

A

Evil resulted from the misuse of free will by humans not from God.

28
Q

How does the story of Adam and Eve illustrate Augustine’s Theodicy?

A

It shows humans turning away from God, introducing sin and suffering.

29
Q

What is a quote illustrate Augustine’s Theodicy? (The story of Adam and Eve) ?

A

“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:3-5)

30
Q

What is the concept of original sin in Augustine’s theodicy?

A

Original sin is the inherited consequence of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, leading to human suffering.

31
Q

How did God respond to human sin, according to Augustine?

A

God sent Jesus Christ to believers to give them a new life following in God’s footsteps.

32
Q

What did F. Schleiermacher criticize about Augustine’s theodicy? (Logical criticism)

A

He argued that a perfectly good world created by God should never go wrong as its “perfect”.

33
Q

What does F. Schleiermacher say about humans choosing evil?

A

If humans could choose evil, evil must have already existed.

34
Q

What is the implication if evil existed from the start?

A

The world wasn’t perfect and God would be responsible for evil and suffering.

35
Q

What criticism of Augustine’s theodicy relates to suffering in nature?

A

Suffering is vital for survival (survival of the fittest) suggesting God made the world this way.

36
Q

Why is God unjust according to the survival criticism?

A

God is unjust for punishing humans for Adam and Eve’s sin.

37
Q

How does the existence of Hell contradict an all-loving God?

A

Hell is a place of eternal punishment contradicts the idea of a loving God.

38
Q

What question is raised about Hell and God’s design of the universe?

A

If God knew the world would go wrong, why did he allow it and include hell in the design?

39
Q

What is a moral criticism of the Augustinian Theodicy?

A

A loving God will not allow suffering occur as it is unfair - also a theological issue

40
Q

Scientific criticism of Augustine’s Theodicy?

A
  • Belief in Genesis creation story is strongly challenged by evolution
  • ‘Seminally present in Adam’ - is that biologically sound?

Philosophy A level (2 decks)

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