The problem of evilis a central challenge in philosophy... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
17
0
Jasmine Fellows
28/06/2022
Religious Studies
The Problem of Evil notes
616
•
28 Jun 2022
•
The Problem of Evil: Easy Summary for A-Level Philosophy
Jasmine Fellows
@jasminefellows_slen
The Evidential Problem of Evil
The evidential problem of evil focuses on the probability of God's existence given the amount and types of evil observed in the world. This approach is less absolute than the logical problem but still presents a significant challenge to theism.
Definition: The evidential problem of evil argues that the existence of evil makes God's existence improbable, rather than logically impossible.
Key points:
- It acknowledges that evil exists and questions whether an omniscient, omnibenevolent, and omnipotent God would allow it.
- One response is that we cannot know what an omniscient God would do, making comparison difficult.
Example: Natural disasters, diseases, and human cruelty are often cited as evidence in the evidential problem of evil.
Augustine's Theodicy
Augustine's theodicy, also known as the Augustinian theodicy, attempts to explain the existence of evil while maintaining God's perfection and omnipotence.
Key elements of Augustine's theodicy:
- God created everything perfectly, as stated in Genesis.
- Evil is not a creation of God but a privation of good (privatio boni).
- The Fall of angels and humans introduced evil through free will.
Quote: "Free will is the cause of our doing evil" - Augustine
Augustine argues that free will is vital for genuine love of God, justifying its existence despite the potential for evil.
Highlight: The concept of Original Sin is central to Augustine's explanation of ongoing evil and suffering in the world.
The Fall and Natural Evil
Augustine's theodicy extends to explain natural evil through the concept of The Fall. This event, according to Christian theology, disrupted the natural order and introduced suffering into the world.
Key points:
- Adam and Eve's disobedience led to the Fall.
- Natural evil is a consequence of human sin.
- Original Sin continues to affect humanity, justifying ongoing punishment.
Quote: "Thy just judgement is the cause of our having to suffer the consequences" - Augustine
Criticisms of this approach include:
- Scientific inaccuracies regarding human origins
- Logical contradictions in the perfection of creation
- Questions about God's foreknowledge of evil
Example: Schleiermacher argued that either the world was created imperfect or God allowed it to go wrong, presenting a logical issue for Augustine's theodicy.
Irenaean Theodicy and Soul-Making
The Irenaean theodicy, also known as the soul-making theodicy, offers an alternative explanation for the existence of evil. This approach, developed by Irenaeus and later expanded by John Hick, suggests that evil serves a purpose in human development.
Key aspects of the Irenaean theodicy:
- The world was created with evil to allow humans to develop into mature beings.
- Evil allows us to appreciate good and learn moral lessons.
- Free will is essential for genuine moral growth.
Quote: "How, if we had no knowledge to the contrary, could we have instruction in that which is good?" - Irenaeus
John Hick's contributions:
- Introduced the concept of "epistemic distance" - God's hiddenness allows for genuine faith.
- Proposed the idea of continued moral development after death.
- Argued for universal salvation as a justification for earthly suffering.
Highlight: The Irenaean theodicy emphasizes the importance of human free will and moral development in justifying the existence of evil.
Critiques and Philosophical Debates
The problem of evil and its various theodicies continue to be subjects of intense philosophical debate. Critics raise several important points:
- Unequal distribution of suffering: Some people suffer far more than others, challenging the fairness of a soul-making process.
- Negative effects of suffering: Not all people are improved by hardship; some are made worse.
- Issues with universal salvation: It may undermine the significance of earthly morality and Jesus' sacrifice.
- The scale of suffering: Dostoevsky argued that no amount of good could justify the suffering of even one child.
Quote: "One of them has been right all the time and the other wrong" - John Hick, on the parable of the celestial city
These ongoing debates highlight the complexity of the problem of evil and its central importance in a level philosophy and religious studies. The various approaches, from Augustinian to Irenaean theodicies, offer rich material for analysis in OCR a level questions and essays on the logical and evidential problems of evil.
The Logical Problem of Evil
The logical problem of evil, as formulated by Epicurus, presents an inconsistent triad of God's attributes and the existence of evil. This challenges the traditional concept of an omniscient, omnipotent, and omnibenevolent God.
Definition: The logical problem of evil argues that the existence of evil is logically incompatible with an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-good God.
Responses to this problem include:
- Deism: The idea that God created the universe but does not intervene.
- Plantinga's Free Will Defense: Argues that it's logically impossible for God to create free beings without the possibility of evil.
- Richard Swinburne's approach: Suggests that God cannot logically give us significant freedom without allowing for the possibility of evil.
Highlight: The concept of evil as a privation of good (privatio boni) is a key element in some responses to the problem of evil.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The Problem of Evil: Easy Summary for A-Level Philosophy
Jasmine Fellows
@jasminefellows_slen
The problem of evil is a central challenge in philosophy of religion, questioning how an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent God could allow evil and suffering to exist. This concept is crucial in a level philosophycourses, particularly when studying theodicies... Show more
The Evidential Problem of Evil
The evidential problem of evil focuses on the probability of God's existence given the amount and types of evil observed in the world. This approach is less absolute than the logical problem but still presents a significant challenge to theism.
Definition: The evidential problem of evil argues that the existence of evil makes God's existence improbable, rather than logically impossible.
Key points:
- It acknowledges that evil exists and questions whether an omniscient, omnibenevolent, and omnipotent God would allow it.
- One response is that we cannot know what an omniscient God would do, making comparison difficult.
Example: Natural disasters, diseases, and human cruelty are often cited as evidence in the evidential problem of evil.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Augustine's Theodicy
Augustine's theodicy, also known as the Augustinian theodicy, attempts to explain the existence of evil while maintaining God's perfection and omnipotence.
Key elements of Augustine's theodicy:
- God created everything perfectly, as stated in Genesis.
- Evil is not a creation of God but a privation of good (privatio boni).
- The Fall of angels and humans introduced evil through free will.
Quote: "Free will is the cause of our doing evil" - Augustine
Augustine argues that free will is vital for genuine love of God, justifying its existence despite the potential for evil.
Highlight: The concept of Original Sin is central to Augustine's explanation of ongoing evil and suffering in the world.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Fall and Natural Evil
Augustine's theodicy extends to explain natural evil through the concept of The Fall. This event, according to Christian theology, disrupted the natural order and introduced suffering into the world.
Key points:
- Adam and Eve's disobedience led to the Fall.
- Natural evil is a consequence of human sin.
- Original Sin continues to affect humanity, justifying ongoing punishment.
Quote: "Thy just judgement is the cause of our having to suffer the consequences" - Augustine
Criticisms of this approach include:
- Scientific inaccuracies regarding human origins
- Logical contradictions in the perfection of creation
- Questions about God's foreknowledge of evil
Example: Schleiermacher argued that either the world was created imperfect or God allowed it to go wrong, presenting a logical issue for Augustine's theodicy.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Irenaean Theodicy and Soul-Making
The Irenaean theodicy, also known as the soul-making theodicy, offers an alternative explanation for the existence of evil. This approach, developed by Irenaeus and later expanded by John Hick, suggests that evil serves a purpose in human development.
Key aspects of the Irenaean theodicy:
- The world was created with evil to allow humans to develop into mature beings.
- Evil allows us to appreciate good and learn moral lessons.
- Free will is essential for genuine moral growth.
Quote: "How, if we had no knowledge to the contrary, could we have instruction in that which is good?" - Irenaeus
John Hick's contributions:
- Introduced the concept of "epistemic distance" - God's hiddenness allows for genuine faith.
- Proposed the idea of continued moral development after death.
- Argued for universal salvation as a justification for earthly suffering.
Highlight: The Irenaean theodicy emphasizes the importance of human free will and moral development in justifying the existence of evil.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Critiques and Philosophical Debates
The problem of evil and its various theodicies continue to be subjects of intense philosophical debate. Critics raise several important points:
- Unequal distribution of suffering: Some people suffer far more than others, challenging the fairness of a soul-making process.
- Negative effects of suffering: Not all people are improved by hardship; some are made worse.
- Issues with universal salvation: It may undermine the significance of earthly morality and Jesus' sacrifice.
- The scale of suffering: Dostoevsky argued that no amount of good could justify the suffering of even one child.
Quote: "One of them has been right all the time and the other wrong" - John Hick, on the parable of the celestial city
These ongoing debates highlight the complexity of the problem of evil and its central importance in a level philosophy and religious studies. The various approaches, from Augustinian to Irenaean theodicies, offer rich material for analysis in OCR a level questions and essays on the logical and evidential problems of evil.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Logical Problem of Evil
The logical problem of evil, as formulated by Epicurus, presents an inconsistent triad of God's attributes and the existence of evil. This challenges the traditional concept of an omniscient, omnipotent, and omnibenevolent God.
Definition: The logical problem of evil argues that the existence of evil is logically incompatible with an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-good God.
Responses to this problem include:
- Deism: The idea that God created the universe but does not intervene.
- Plantinga's Free Will Defense: Argues that it's logically impossible for God to create free beings without the possibility of evil.
- Richard Swinburne's approach: Suggests that God cannot logically give us significant freedom without allowing for the possibility of evil.
Highlight: The concept of evil as a privation of good (privatio boni) is a key element in some responses to the problem of evil.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user