The Problem Of Evil

The problem of evil is a philosophical dilemma that raises the question

of why bad things happen in the world if God is good.

Moral Wrongdoing with
Intention:
Evil can be defined as intentional
moral wrongdoing or harm. It
involves the conscious choice to
commit actions that are considered
morally reprehensible, violating
fundamental ethical principles.
Definitions of Evil
Profound Malevolence or
Wickedness:
Evil may be characterized by
profound malevolence or
wickedness, suggesting a deep-
seated inclination toward malicious
actions. It defines evil as a force that
encompasses a broader malevolent
disposition.
The Absence of Goodness or
Virtue:
Evil can be conceptualized as the
absence of goodness or virtue. In
this definition, evil is seen not only
as an active force but also as the
lack of positive qualities or ethical
virtues.
 Different philosophical approaches

Epicurus Euthyphro Logical aspect

Epicurus believed that evil exists due
to the absence of the gods'
intervention and that it is a natural
consequence of their non-
interference.
Euthyphro argued that evil arises Philosophers explore the logical
when the gods disagree among consistency of the existence of evil
themselves, leading to contradictions alongside the idea of an omnipotent
in their commands and actions. and benevolent God.
Epicurus's Statement on the Problem of Evil:
Epicurus questioned the traditional attributes ascribed to gods, the notions of omnipotence and omnibenevolence.

His famous quote, is often paraphrased as:

"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?

Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing?

Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing?

Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing?

Then why call him God?"

This statement highlights the logical challenge posed by the coexistence of a benevolent, all-powerful deity and the existence
of evil. Epicurus questioned whether the traditional conception of gods aligns with the reality of a world containing suffering
and malevolence.

Epicurean Philosophy: Epicurus, as a proponent of Epicureanism, emphasizing the pursuit of pleasure (understood as
tranquility and freedom from pain) as the highest good.
Theodicies and Defenses
Free Will Defence:
Evil exists as a consequence of
human free will. God created
beings with the capacity for moral
choice, and the existence of evil
results from individuals misusing
their freedom.
Supporters: Augustine of Hippo,
Alvin Plantinga.
Irenaean Theodicy:
Human understanding is limited,
and what appears as evil may be a
necessary part of a greater plan
that is beyond human
comprehension.
Supporters: Irenaeus, John Hick.
Eschatological Theodicy:
The ultimate resolution of the
problem of evil is in the afterlife.
God will bring about a final
judgment,, and those who suffered
will recieve rewards.
Supporters: Protestants & Islam.
 The Islamic perspective

Al-Razi Ibn-Sina
Fakhruddin refuted the Ibn-Sina wrote in great detail
existence of evil as a on the concepts revolving the
proposition to disprove the problem of evil, in his books,
existence of God. "Al-Shifa" and "Al-Najaat".
 The Christian Perspective
The Fall of Humanity: Free Will: Redemption through Eschatological Hope:
Christ:
Christianity teaches that Christian theologians Christians look forward to
evil entered the world argue that God granted Christianity teaches that the fulfillment of God's
through the disobedience humans free will. The idea God, out of love, sent plan in the eschaton. The
of Adam and Eve in the is that genuine love and Jesus Christ to redeem hope is that God will
Garden of Eden. This moral responsibility humanity from sin. overcome evil, judge the
event resulted in require the ability to Through Christ's sacrificial wicked, and establish a
introduction of sin and choose, and a world with death and resurrection. new heaven and earth
suffering into the world. free will necessarily where righteousness
involves evil. prevails.
 Atheists and Agnostics Perspective
Atheists
Atheists argue that the existence of evil is evidence against
the existence of any Gods, as it conflicts with the notion of
an all-loving and all-powerful being.
Agnostics
Agnostics recognize the problem of evil but neither affirm
nor deny the existence of God, as they claim that human
limitations prevent them from making a definitive
conclusion.
 Relevance in Modern Society

Ethical Dilemmas Rise in Atheism Existential Questions

Evil and its implications raise The problem is one of the reasons Evil forces individuals to question
ethical questions and dilemmas that people are moving away from the meaning of life, nature of
like The Euthyphro's Dilemma. religions toward Atheism. reality, and their beliefs and values.