unit 3

Question 1

What is the problem of evil?

Answer 1

The philosophical question of how to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with an all-powerful, all-knowing, and benevolent God.

Question 2

True or False: The problem of evil is only a concern in Christianity.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Fill in the blank: Theodicy is an attempt to _____ the existence of evil in the world.

Answer 3

justify

Question 4

What is a common argument against the existence of God based on the problem of evil?

Answer 4

If God is all-good, all-powerful, and all-knowing, then evil should not exist.

Question 5

Multiple Choice: Which philosopher is known for the ‘free will defense’?

Answer 5

epicurus

Question 6

What does the ‘free will defense’ argue?

Answer 6

That God allows evil to exist because it is a consequence of granting humans free will.

Question 7

True or False: Natural evil refers to suffering caused by human actions.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What is an example of moral evil?

Answer 8

Murder or theft

Question 9

What is an example of natural evil?

Answer 9

Natural disasters like earthquakes or floods

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The term ‘theodicy’ comes from the Greek words for ‘God’ and _____

Answer 10

justice

Question 11

What is the significance of the Book of Job in discussions of evil and suffering?

Answer 11

It explores the theme of suffering and the nature of God’s justice.

Question 12

Multiple Choice: Which religious tradition does NOT typically address the problem of evil?

Answer 12

None, as most major religions address the issue in some form.

Question 13

Short Answer: How do some religious believers view suffering?

Answer 13

As a test of faith or a means of spiritual growth.

Question 14

What is the ‘Augustinian theodicy’?

Answer 14

A theodicy that explains evil as a result of the misuse of free will by humans.

Question 15

True or False: The problem of evil only concerns the suffering of humans.

Answer 15

False

Question 16

What does ‘existential suffering’ refer to?

Answer 16

Suffering that arises from a lack of meaning or purpose in life.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: Some argue that suffering can lead to _____, such as compassion and empathy.

Answer 17

positive outcomes

Question 18

What does the term ‘apparent good’ mean in relation to suffering?

Answer 18

The idea that suffering may lead to a greater good that is not immediately obvious.

Question 19

Short Answer: How do atheists typically view the problem of evil?

Answer 19

As an argument against the existence of a benevolent deity.

Question 20

What is the ‘Irenaean theodicy’?

Answer 20

A theodicy that suggests evil and suffering are necessary for spiritual development.

Question 21

True or False: The problem of evil is exclusively a philosophical issue and does not impact religious practice.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

What role does faith play in addressing the problem of evil?

Answer 22

It can provide comfort and a framework for understanding suffering.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The ‘Problem of Evil’ is often summarized in the phrase: ‘If God is _____, why is there evil?’

Answer 23

good

Question 24

Multiple Choice: Which of these concepts is closely related to the problem of evil?

Answer 24

The concept of free will

Question 25

What is a key criticism of the free will defense?

Answer 25

It does not adequately explain the existence of natural evil.

Question 26

why is evil a problem?

Answer 26

atheists and theists have to construct a worldview to 'cope' with various levels of evil and suffering

Question 27

what is the evidential problem?

Answer 27

it can cause people to be ruled by fear

Question 28

what is the logical problem?

Answer 28

if god cannot prevent/destroy evil he is not omnipotent (all powerful) if god could prevent evil but chooses not to he is not omnibenevolent ( all good) if there was a good who was powerful and good there would be no evil however evil exists; therefore god does not. if god does exist he is not worthy of worship

Question 29

what is the inconsistent triad?

Answer 29

the argument formed by Epicurus that involves three statements where only two can be true. ideas f omnipotence, omnibenevolence, and gods existence are inconsistent with each other

Question 30

what is the theistic counter response to evil/suffering?

Answer 30

- c.s lewis refers to suffering as "gods megaphone to a deaf world" 1. a test of faith 2. to achieve great things (gods plan) 3. a punishment for sin or discipline 4. to allow freewill

Question 31

augustines theodicy

Answer 31

-humans have freewill -Adam and Eve abused their freewill -humans use freewill to determine whether they go to heaven or hell -'soul-deciding theodicy'

Question 31

the freewill defence

Answer 31

we need freewill but this freedom cannot be limited otherwise it would be pretend freedom true freedom means humans will cause suffering god allowed evil so people can choose to love god rather than be forced

Question 31

iraneus' theodicy

Answer 31

-humans should react positively to suffering -humans are 'unfinished' -humans should suffer to become more like god -'soul-making' theodicy

Question 31

weaknesses to the theodicies

Answer 31

1. AUGUSTINES THEODICY explains moral evil, but not natural suffering 2. IRANEUS' THEODICY explains natural suffering but not human suffering (fully). John Hick suggested that god created himself at an epistemic distance from creation, he cannot be involved in human affairs cos it would limit human freedom. 3. MACKIE (athiest philosopher) responded to freewill defence- 'if god is all powerful he could create a world where humans could be free and do good' - but is this logical?

Question 32

how do theists respond to natural suffering?

Answer 32

1. accept that natural suffering is a problem and tragic however believe challenges presented by natural suffering are an opportunity for humans to overcome be resilient etc. 2.muslims believe natural suffering is the will of Allah 3. christians believe its a result of Adam and eves wrongdoings 5. some believe humans are greedy and irresponsible

Question 33

ISLAM response to evil

Answer 33

- it does not challenge the existence of god -since god is all powerful and good why does he allow evil and suffering -the sin of Adam and Eve was the beginning of evil in the world -Adam asked god for forgiveness and god granted it -suffering is a test of human character.

Question 34

divine providence

Answer 34

-gods qualities of omniscience, omnibenevolence , and omnipotence. -JOHN HICK said god is not like a pet owner suffering is 'the vale of soul-making' -ABU HAMID AL-GHAZALI argued god allows people to experience pain to test faith

Question 35

What is the humanist perspective on the origin of evil?

Answer 35

Humanists typically view evil as a product of human actions and social conditions rather than a supernatural force.

Question 36

True or False: According to humanists, evil is inherent in human nature.

Answer 36

False

Question 37

Fill in the blank: The humanist approach often emphasizes the role of ________ in shaping moral behavior.

Answer 37

education

Question 38

Which of the following is a common belief among atheists regarding the concept of evil? a) It is a divine punishment, b) It is a result of human choices, c) It does not exist.

Answer 38

b) It is a result of human choices

Question 39

Short Answer: How do humanists typically address moral dilemmas?

Answer 39

Humanists address moral dilemmas through reason, empathy, and a focus on human welfare.

Question 40

What is one common religious perspective on overcoming evil?

Answer 40

Many religious perspectives suggest that overcoming evil involves faith, prayer, and following moral teachings.

Question 41

True or False: Non-religious approaches to overcoming evil often emphasize human reason and ethical frameworks.

Answer 41

True

Question 42

Fill in the blank: In many religious traditions, evil is often seen as a result of _____ or a separation from the divine.

Answer 42

sin

Question 43

What is a key concept in non-religious philosophies for combating evil?

Answer 43

Promoting social justice and empathy among individuals.

Question 44

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT typically a method cited in religious teachings for overcoming evil? A) Forgiveness B) Vigilantism C) Compassion D) Prayer

Answer 44

B) Vigilantism

Question 45

who agrees that the problem of evil challenges gods existence

Answer 45

-epicurus -mackie -elie wiesel -darwin -hume -nietzsche -camus -dawkins

Question 46

who believes that the problem of evil does not challenge gods existence

Answer 46

-augustine -irenaeus -hick -swinburne -c.s. lewis -apostle Paul (although he could be fake)