LOGICAL PROBLEM OF EVIL propounded by John Mackie

- Argues that existence of evil is incompatible with the existence of God.

- Logically inconsistent to accept that they exist together.

HUME

- Out of Omnipotence, Omnibenevolence and evil only two can exist.

o This is the result of the Epicurean Dilemma, the inconsistent triad which
Epicurus created.
- Hume concluded that God cannot exist as a result of this.

AQUINAS

- Humes position is supported by Aquinas Summa Theologica, which suggests that

Gods existence in the face of evil is logically impossible.
- For Aquinas, the concept of infinite goodness is part of Gods nature, any proof
against Gods goodness being infinite will constitute proof that God does not exist.
o The existence of even the smallest quantity of evil precludes the possibility of
infinite goodness.
o As witnesses to evil in our world, we are thus witnesses to proof against the
existence of God.

HOWEVER

- Aquinas differed from Hume in that whereas Hume, as an atheist, accepted this
conclusion, Aquinas went on to reject it.

Aquinas argument only works if:

- The concept of infinite goodness is part of the definition of God.

- In talking about Gods goodness, we are referring to the same thing as human
goodness, and assuming that what we call evil is incompatible with the goodness of
God.

EVIDENTIAL PROBLEM OF EVIL

 - Argues that the existence of God as defined by classical theism is logically
incompatible with what is known about evil and suffering it causes.
o The evidential problem of evil argues that what is known about evil and
suffering is evidence against the existence of God.

William Rowes Evidential Problem

- Uses it to argue his case for atheism.

- Bases his argument on the fact that some evil and suffering results in the greater good.
o However, if there was evidence for suffering that did not result in the greater
good then the argument can be made that it was pointless.
Therefore, an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God could have
prevented it without losing some of the greater good.
An all-knowing and wholly good being would prevent the occurrence
of any intense suffering it could, unless is could not do so without
thereby losing greater good or permitting some evil equally bad or
worse.
Therefore there does not exist an omnipotent, omniscient, wholly good
being.
o THE EVIDENCE THAT SUCH EVIL EXISTS IS THEREFORE TAKEN
AS EVIDENCE THAT GOD CANNOT EXIST.
- Uses examples of pointless (dysteleological suffering)

1. Pointless human suffering

- 5 year old girl been raped, severely beaten and then strangled to death by mothers
drug using, drunk boyfriend.

2. Pointless animal suffering

- Fawn trapped in a forest fire, horribly burned, and lies in terrible agony for several
days before death relieved its suffering.

THEODICY
 - Theodicy literally means justice of God, but when applied to the problem of evil it
is better seen as the justification of God.
- Seeks to explain the apparent existence of evil in the world and at the same time to
retain the three attributes of the God of classical theism.

Augustinian Tradition
- Augustine based his arguments on the Bible, in particular the Creation and Fall
accounts in Genesis, and on philosophical tradition.
- Rests upon two major assumptions:
o Evil did not come from God since Gods creation was faultless and perfect.
o Evil having come from elsewhere, God is justified in allowing it to stay.
- Influenced by Manichaeism, from which he converted.
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