Problem of Evil

Definition

The problem of evil is a philosophical and theological dilemma that questions how an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent God can allow evil and suffering in the world. This issue has been a central concern in medieval philosophy, where thinkers grappled with reconciling faith in a good God with the existence of moral and natural evils, leading to significant discussions on free will, the nature of God, and the meaning of suffering.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Medieval philosophers, such as Augustine and Aquinas, engaged deeply with the problem of evil, each providing their interpretations and responses to this dilemma.
2. Augustine argued that evil is a privation of good rather than a substance itself, suggesting that evil exists when there is a lack of goodness.
3. Aquinas introduced the idea that suffering can serve a greater purpose within God's plan, such as fostering virtues like patience and resilience.
4. The problem of evil has led to various philosophical arguments, including the logical problem of evil, which claims that the existence of evil contradicts the existence of an all-powerful and all-good God.
5. The discussions surrounding the problem of evil continue to influence contemporary debates in philosophy and theology, as scholars seek to reconcile faith with the observable realities of suffering.

Review Questions

• How did medieval philosophers like Augustine address the problem of evil, and what key concepts did they introduce?
  • Medieval philosophers like Augustine addressed the problem of evil by proposing that evil is not a created entity but rather a privation of good. Augustine emphasized that God's creation was inherently good, and any presence of evil stems from human misuse of free will. This perspective shifts the focus from questioning God's goodness to understanding human responsibility in perpetuating evil.
• Discuss how Aquinas contributed to the understanding of the problem of evil through his views on suffering and divine purpose.
  • Aquinas contributed to the understanding of the problem of evil by suggesting that suffering can have a meaningful role within God's divine plan. He believed that God permits certain evils because they can lead to greater goods, such as personal growth or communal resilience. Aquinas emphasized that while human beings may not always understand these purposes, faith allows them to trust in God's overarching wisdom.
• Evaluate the ongoing relevance of the problem of evil in contemporary philosophy and theology, particularly regarding its impact on faith discussions.
  • The problem of evil remains highly relevant in contemporary philosophy and theology as it challenges believers to reconcile their faith with real-world suffering. Discussions around this issue encourage deeper engagement with concepts like free will and moral responsibility. The ongoing debates inform how individuals perceive justice, morality, and divine involvement in human affairs, prompting many to reassess their beliefs about God in light of human experience with pain and hardship.

Related terms

Theodicy: A defense or explanation attempting to justify God's goodness despite the presence of evil and suffering in the world.

Free Will: The ability for individuals to make choices that are not predetermined, often used to explain the existence of moral evil as a consequence of human decisions.

Natural Evil: Evil that results from natural processes, such as disasters or diseases, which are not caused by human actions but still raise questions about divine benevolence.