Problem of Evil Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is the logical problem of evil?
A deductive argument aiming to show that the existence of evil is logically inconsistent with the existence of the God of classical theism (omnipotent, omnibenevolent, omniscient).
Who first formulated the logical problem of evil?
Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher.
What is Epicurus’ formulation of the problem of evil?
Is God willing but not able? Then He isn’t omnipotent.
Is God able but not willing? Then He isn’t omnibenevolent.
If He is both able and willing, then why is there evil?
If neither, then why call Him God?
What is Mackie’s Inconsistent Triad?
P1. An omnipotent God can eliminate evil.
P2. An omnibenevolent God wants to eliminate evil.
P3. Evil exists.
Conclusion: These three are logically inconsistent; God and evil cannot coexist.
Why is the logical problem of evil considered a deductive and a priori argument?
Because its conclusion must follow if the premises are true (deductive), and it relies on the analysis of concepts rather than experience (a priori).
What does the logical problem of evil conclude?
That if evil exists, then it is logically impossible that the classical God exists.
Who introduced the evidential problem of evil?
David Hume.
What does Hume say about the coexistence of God and evil?
It’s not logically impossible, but the evidence makes belief in a perfect God unjustified.
What are the 4 types of evidence Hume uses in the evidential problem of evil?
Animal suffering (e.g., Roe’s deer in a fire).
Limited abilities of creatures.
Harsh extremes in nature (natural evil).
Lack of divine intervention in disasters.
What are the premises and conclusion of the evidential problem of evil?
P1. We are only justified in believing what evidence supports.
P2. We only have evidence of imperfection.
C1. We are only justified in believing imperfection exists.
C2. Belief in a perfect God is not justified.
What kind of argument is the evidential problem of evil?
An inductive and a posteriori argument based on experience.
What is Augustine’s theodicy based on?
The idea that evil is either sin or punishment for sin. Humans created evil and deserve its consequences.
How does original sin explain moral and natural evil in Augustine’s theodicy?
Adam and Eve’s sin corrupted human nature (moral evil) and led to a fallen world (natural evil).
What is ‘privatio boni’ in Augustine’s theodicy?
Evil is the absence of good, not a real substance, like blindness is the absence of sight.
What scientific criticisms challenge Augustine’s theodicy?
Evolution disproves a perfect creation.
Genetic diversity disproves a single origin (Adam & Eve).
Misunderstanding of reproduction and biology.
What is Chesterton’s defence of original sin?
He claimed original sin is observable ‘in the street’ – human evil is empirically evident.
What is Augustine’s ‘pear’ story and what does it show?
He stole a pear just for the joy of sinning, showing even children are born with original sin.
Why do modern sociologists and philosophers reject original sin?
Stephen Pinker shows moral progress over time.
Pelagius and Freud argue evil is socially conditioned.
Evolution better explains selfishness than original sin.
Why does original sin violate moral responsibility?
It is unjust to blame all humanity for Adam and Eve’s actions, especially pre-birth.
How did Augustine defend the justice of original sin?
He appealed to the ‘secret yet just judgement of God’ and cited Psalm 25:10.
What biblical story supports Augustine’s view of inscrutable divine justice?
Job – God allows evil but insists humans can’t understand His reasoning.
Why is Augustine’s defence of God’s justice considered logically flawed?
It implies that even a dying child deserves suffering, which contradicts divine love.
What is Irenaeus and Hick’s theodicy?
Evil is necessary for soul-making; people become good by overcoming evil.
What example does Irenaeus use to support soul-making?
Jonah – after experiencing suffering, he morally improves.
