Studied by 1 person
Original sin : Christianity
Many Catholics believe that evil is the result of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit, that happened during Genesis - according to this belief, all humans are born with a tendency to sin
Reasons for forgiveness : Christianity
Just war theory, Pacifism, Jesus’ teachings, reconciliation
Example of Christian forgiveness
Gee Walker : her son was murdered in a racially motivated attack in 2005 at 18 years old
Aims of punishment
Deterrence, Protection, Reformation, Retribution, reparation, Vindication and Rehabilitation
Problem of evil (inconsistent triad)
‘Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able to? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing to? Then he is malevolent.’ - Epicurus
Response to inconsistent triad 1 : Christian
St Augustine: Bad choices aren’t the fault of God, but rather us due to free will
Response to inconsistent triad 2 : Christian
John Hick (extremely liberal): Theorises that we are born with immature souls, and evil matures out souls to become more similar to God
Response to inconsistent triad 3 : Islam
An evil angel called ‘Iblis’ was cast from heaven and tempts people to join him (this is the origin of evil) - Allah allows this as he has a divine plan
What makes something Good? : Christian
‘Good’ is different to different people - it varies upon beliefs, culture and values. Generally, it includes things like: caring for others, being helpful and showing compassion
What makes something bad? : Christianity
Evil is a cause of human suffering: moral or natural evil
Absolute morality
Absolutists believe that there is a definite right course of action in a moral dilemma
Relativist morality
Relativists believe that different courses of action may be required in different circumstances
Conscience
A moral sense of right or wrong
Reasons for capital punishment
Saves space in prisons, protection, retribution, justice, deterrence, in old testament there is 36 crimes punishable by death
Against capital punishment
Wrong convictions (190 people since 1973 wrongly convicted), sanctity of life, forgiveness
Prison reformers
Set out to improve the prison system. The prison reform trust aims to reduce unnecessary imprisonment, and improve treatment and conditions of the prisoner. Elizabeth Fry is an example
Prison Chaplain
Catholic response to crime - Paulist prison ministries who work with prisoners to rehabilitate them into society: provide support and counselling
Punishment in the 21st century
Mainly aimed at deterrence through fines, prison and community service - rehabilitation is also a huge aim, as seen in Norway
Crime and its causes
Crime is absolute - you break the law and you’ll be persecuted. reasons are complex and objective, but a few include: parental neglect, poverty, low self-esteem and alcohol and drug abuse
Moral vitures
Eudaimonia is a Greek term for happiness which involved developing a good character - a virtuous person will seek the right thing
Sin
Separates humans from God, bringing lasting punishment. God rectified the problem through Christ
Causes of evil: 1
Irenaeus: God made humans imperfect by giving them free will, meaning they have choices leading to evil - by being able to make choices we develop out souls
Causes of evil: 2
John Hick: based on Irenaeus’ idea, but further developed; humans were created imperfect, and evil shapes us to become more like God
Note 
Flashcard (31)