“THE PROBLEM OF EVIL”
In this module, we shall take up a close study of the so-called problem of evil. The existence of moral and physical evils has traditionally been the source of pressing questions. If there is a supremely wise, powerful and benevolent God, how can we explain the existence of evil? What are the sources of evil? Does its existence make belief in God impossible? Is there a higher, deeper purpose behind human suffering? We will examine philosophical responses to these and other questions that stem from the problem of evil. We begin with Leibniz’ attempt to vindicate divine providence in light of the apparent existence of evil, for which he coined the term ‘theodicy’. We then look at Hume’s and Kant’s respective arguments against theodicy, and continue with an examination of Kant’s own understanding of the problem of evil and of the relation between morality and religion.