The problem of evil

Definition

The problem of evil is a philosophical and theological dilemma that questions how a benevolent, omnipotent, and omniscient God can coexist with the existence of evil in the world. This problem challenges the understanding of divine goodness and power, raising issues about free will, the nature of suffering, and moral responsibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The problem of evil became a significant issue during the transition from ancient to medieval philosophy, as thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas grappled with reconciling faith with the reality of suffering.
2. Augustine proposed that evil is not a created substance but rather a privation of good, suggesting that it exists because free will allows for moral choices.
3. Aquinas argued that some degree of evil is necessary for greater goods, such as the development of virtue or the exercise of free will.
4. The problem of evil influenced medieval debates on theology and ethics, leading to various interpretations and responses from different philosophers and theologians.
5. This dilemma has had lasting implications for philosophy, theology, and literature, prompting ongoing discussions about the nature of God and the existence of suffering throughout history.

Review Questions

• How did ancient philosophers contribute to the understanding of the problem of evil as it transitioned into medieval philosophy?
  • Ancient philosophers laid the groundwork for discussions about morality and the nature of the divine, which became crucial when addressing the problem of evil. Thinkers like Plato explored concepts such as justice and goodness, influencing later medieval philosophers like Augustine. Their reflections helped frame the problem by emphasizing the relationship between human action, morality, and divine attributes, setting up a deeper exploration during the medieval period.
• Analyze Augustine's interpretation of evil in relation to free will within the context of his theological contributions during this period.
  • Augustine's interpretation of evil posits that it is not a substance created by God but a corruption or absence of good, primarily arising from human free will. He believed that God granted humans free will to choose between good and evil, thus allowing for moral responsibility. This idea was pivotal in medieval philosophy as it framed discussions about sin, divine justice, and redemption, influencing how later theologians viewed God's role concerning human suffering.
• Evaluate how the problem of evil has influenced modern philosophical thought since its origins in ancient and medieval contexts.
  • The problem of evil has significantly shaped modern philosophical thought by prompting deeper inquiries into ethics, metaphysics, and theology. Philosophers such as Leibniz, Hume, and contemporary thinkers have built upon earlier ideas, addressing whether a benevolent God can exist alongside extensive suffering. This ongoing evaluation reflects broader questions about faith, morality, and human existence while challenging believers to reconcile their understanding of God with real-world experiences of pain and injustice.

Related terms

Theodicy: Theodicy is the defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in the face of the existence of evil, attempting to provide justification for why a benevolent God would allow suffering.

Free Will: Free will refers to the ability of individuals to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or divine intervention, often used to explain the presence of moral evil in the world.

Moral Evil: Moral evil is the type of evil that results from human actions and decisions, as opposed to natural evil, which arises from natural disasters or diseases.