William Rowe - intense human and animal suffering

Where does Rowe show his work?

The problem of evil and some varieties of atheism

When did Rowe publish this work?

1979

What did Rowe argue?

It is reasonable for God to allow some limited suffering to allow humans to develop

What did Rowe say he could not accept?

God allowing intense suffering

What does Rowe see as pointless?

Animal suffering

Why does Rowe see this as pointless?

As it doesnt help them develop

What example did Rowe use to show this was pointless?

A fawn in a fire

What does Rowe state about an omnipotent and omniscient being?

They would know when intense suffering is about to take place and could prevent it from taking place

What did Rowe say about an all-loving being?

They would probably prevent all evil and suffering that had no purpose and was avoidable

What does Rowe say about God?

He does not exist as pointless evil exists

What is Rowe’s approach sometimes referred as?

The evidential problem of evil

What does this referring involve?

Consideration of whether and to what extent the existence of evil can be used as evidence that can be used to argue the existence of God

Should the problem of evil and logical problem of evil be recognised as different?

Yes