The Problem of Evil and Varieties of Atheism

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the problem of evil, theodicy, and responses to atheism based on the lecture notes.

Moral evil

Evil resulting from human actions such as betrayal, lying, or unjust killing.

Psycho-physical evil

Evil related to physical suffering, such as illness or heartbreak.

Natural evil

Evil that arises from natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes.

Metaphysical evil

Evil associated with limitations of existence, such as mortality and poor memory.

Eschatological evil

Evil that refers to punishment in the final judgment.

Argument from Evil

A philosophical argument suggesting that the existence of evil is incompatible with the existence of a perfectly good, omnipotent being.

Theists' response

The claim that there are ambiguities in the argument from evil, particularly regarding the meaning of a perfectly good being eliminating evil.

Theodicy

An attempt to justify God's reasons for allowing evil in the world.

Soul-making theodicy

The belief that suffering is necessary for character building.

Free Will Defense

The argument that free will requires the possibility of moral evil; thus, God allowing evil does not contradict His omnipotence or goodness.

Objection to Free Will Defense

The criticism that an omnipotent being could create a world without moral evil.

Evidential form of The Problem of Evil

The argument that the existence of widespread and senseless suffering supports atheism.