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The Problem of Evil

The Problem of Evil. The Evidential Problem. J.L.Mackie – The Logical Problem. Mackie described religious belief as “irrational” due to the problem of evil – explain why he came to this conclusion.

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The Problem of Evil

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  1. The Problem of Evil The Evidential Problem

  2. J.L.Mackie – The Logical Problem • Mackie described religious belief as “irrational” due to the problem of evil – explain why he came to this conclusion. • Religious believers attempt to reconcile the God of Classical Theism (omnipotent and omni benevolent) with the existence of Evil • As the two are logically inconsistent, religious belief is irrational - in other words, it makes no sense as believers are trying to claim that 2 mutually inconsistent claims are both true: evil exists and God exists.

  3. Philosophical Problem 2: The Evidential Problem of Evil • William Rowe takes a very different approach. He acknowledges that there are some instances when “evils” might in some way be good for us or beneficial: • Volcanic matter is high in nutrients creating very fertile soil for growing crops • In feeling hungry, I can appreciate and be grateful for my next meal. I can also empathise with those who are less fortunate than me • I can develop my compassion in witnessing the suffering a small child experiences when he falls over.

  4. “In some distant forest lightning strikes a dead tree, resulting in a forest fire. In the fire a fawn is trapped, horribly burned, and lies in terrible agony for several days before death relieves its suffering” (Rowe 1979: 337) • What “benefits” (if any) might there be in the suffering the fawn experiences? • What point do you think Rowe is trying to highlight?

  5. Does the extent of evil that we find in the world count as evidence against the existence of God? • Rowe acknowledges that some evil is necessary in the world – evils that lead to certain goods. However, he maintains that it is the extent (ie, how bad those evils are) that is the problem. • According to Rowe, the extent of evil in the world is evidence that God does not exist. A loving God would not permit atrocities of such intensity to take place. • What other examples can you think of where it is the extent of the suffering that is unnecessary?

  6. Task: • Explain the evidential Problem of Evil – refer to Rowe, the extent of evil, evidence and don’t forget to give an example.

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