Addressing epicurus quote about god willing to prevent evil. Oct 18, 2016 to epicurus, pain is a natural evil, pleasure a natural good, with the ultimate pleasure being the absence of bodily pain and tranquility of the mind. The problem of evil the philosophical problem of evil is the challenge of reconciling belief in god with evil in the world. The problem stems from the concept of an omnipotent, omniscient and perfectly good and just god.
If there is a god and he is all good, why is there so much suffering in the world. God is the final answer to the problem of evil, for he redeems us from evil and takes us into the everlasting joy of an incommensurable good, fellowship with himself. However, he identifies happiness with the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. The problem of evil may be described as the problem of reconciling belief in god with the existence of evil. Leave it to the epicureans to solve the problem of godevil and then pass out drunk. In his bestselling book when bad things happen to good people, rabbi harold kushner 1981 offers the following escape route for the theist. Of the books of epicurus that diogenes laertius lists, the three books i really wish survived are. Refuting the epicurean paradox problem of evil youtube. If we follow epicuruss lead, we can see that science has an inherent moral component that frees us from unnecessary fear. Unfortunately many of the best ones are cut off or lost so we have to make due with what is left. Perhaps the most considerable solution to the problem of evil, at least in christian and jewish contexts, could be summarized from the book of job. Dec 01, 20 the problem of evil suffering has been a thorn in the side of theism for thousands of years this is one of the earliest formations of the argument from the greek philosopher epicurus 341 bc 270.
But the problem of evil, like evil itself, has many faces. The problem with the problem of evil and the epicurean. Augustine, in his book confessions, recognised this problem. On moral development the following is based on the french translation found in the best epitome of all things epicurean in the french language. Epicurus developed an unsparingly materialistic metaphysics, empiricist epistemology, and hedonistic ethics. The problem of evil and suffering the christian post. Response to the problem theists have articulated defenses, but generally cant advance theodicies complete explanations for evil. But since his riddle assumes the existence of god before apparently going on to disprove him it follows that the. While there may be other versions of the problem of evil, lpe as applied by epicurus quadrilemma fails. Are there any flaws in epicurus comment on god and evil. The only surviving complete works by epicurus are three letters, which are to be found in book x of diogenes laertius lives of eminent philosophers, and two groups of quotes.
Take a look at this ancient argument against god that still challenges people today. The problem of evil coined by epicurus states that. The problem of evil poses a philosophical threat to the design argument because it. The book is structured like a college reader no frills, thin paper and a drab cover. May 18, 2011 the brilliant writings of a highly influential greek philosopher, with a foreword by daniel klein, author of travels with epicurus the teachings of epicurusabout life and death, religion and science, physical sensation, happiness, morality, and friendshipattracted legions of adherents throughout the ancient mediterranean world and deeply influenced later european thought. Epicurus statement rather contains a lot of presumption and a serious lack of cognizance regard.
Epicurus and the problem of evil the american vision. As the first known presentation by the greek philosopher epicurus, as. What, then, is the relationship of my discussion of the apologetic problems to the problem of evil in its other formsto personal problems of evil, or pastoral problems of evil. A biographer of many great philosophers, including epicurus. Epicurus recommended instead the cultivation of a moderate life, in which one seeks the pleasures of intellectual excellence, virtuous behavior, the meeting of basic material needs and desires, and genuine and lasting friendship. I had already taken a liking to epicurus teachings before i started reading this book, so i might be quite biased, but i still did find a whole lot of relevant knowledge in this book. Epicurus quadrilemma and the logical problem of evil moral. So, now, we are at an impasse with the presented material and the famous problem of evil, it is clear by now that what epicurus believed in what the gods purpose and abilities are in life does not fit the underlying assumptions of power that each of the questions laid out in the problem of evil. Epicurus is often taken to be the initiator of lpe although this is possibly misattributed.
Apr 29, 2015 while there may be other versions of the problem of evil, lpe as applied by epicurus quadrilemma fails. Epicurus did not understand evil as a theological problem, but he did explain the. This continues to represent a significant challenge to theists today, but it could not have particularly troubled epicurus. Logical problem of evil internet encyclopedia of philosophy. Epicurus also posited that suffering was not an insurmountable problem, ultimately speaking. God, he says, either wishes to take away evils, and is unable. David griffin in process theodicy definition of evil in his book creation out of chaos and the problem of evil.
What is the epicurean paradox, and how can it best be explained. The problem of evil is inadequate to disprove the existence of god. An argument from evil attempts to show that the coexistence of evil and such a god is unlikely or impossible. This is because god may be willing to eliminate evil, but given his instantiation of free creatures, such a thing is not feasible, nor does it count against his omnipotence due to logical concerns. When the problem of evil is presented, it quickly becomes apparent that the term evil cannot be used in any meaningful way by an atheist. It was originally about 25 000 words long and filled 260 square meters of wall space. Epicurus wasnt just speaking of moral evil in that quote. It is also worth mentioning that epicurus was the originator of the problem of evil, if the following quote can correctly be attributed to him. But how is such a moral absolute justified as being true.
When we say, then, that pleasure is the end and aim, we do not mean the pleasures of the prodigal or the pleasures of sensuality, as we are understood to do by some. However, the existence of evil and suffering in the world provides a challenge to the loving god of classical theism. As the first known presentation by the greek philosopher epicurus, as attributed and made popular by david hume, puts it. May 09, 2016 after weeks of exploring the existence of nature of god, today hank explores one of the biggest problems in theism, and possibly the biggest philosophical question humanity faces. If you watch enough existenceofgod debates on youtube, you find that one of the most common objections to theism is the problem of evil. The problem of preventing evil thoughts and intentions with its implication of denying free will is also not addressed. So, while the problem of evil and suffering is a serious problem, it certainly isnt sufficient cause for unbelief or rebellion against god. Hume advanced, then, an evidential argument from evil that has a. The epicurean paradox or riddle of epicurus or epicurus trilemma is a version of the problem of evil. Epicurus project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks read.
The problem of evil for thinking people, theres only one possible answer to the ageold problem of evil. Epicurus also formulated a version of the problem of evil, often referred to as the epicurean paradox, questioning whether an omnipotent, omniscient and benevolent god could exist in a world that manifestly contains evil see the section on the philosophy of religion. Aug 01, 2019 the problem of evil for thinking people, theres only one possible answer to the ageold problem of evil. In the philosophy of religion and theology, the problem of evil is the problem of reconciling the existence of evil or suffering in the world with the existence of an omniscient, omnipotent, omnibenevolent god the problem of evil arises from the supposition that a perfectly good god would not allow evil to exist in the world or, more commonly, would not create a world. He founded schools of philosophy that survived directly from the 4th century bc until the 4th century ad. So, paradoxically, even though the problem of evil is the greatest objection to the existence of god, at the end of the day god is the only solution to the problem of evil. In the very least, david hume argues, the existence of evil does not justify a. Notes 1 david hume, dialogues concerning natural religion, ed.
What epicurus can teach us about freedom and happiness. Aug 17, 2018 the problem of evil ultimately fails to refute gods existence. David griffin in process theodicy definition of evil in his book creation out of chaos and the problem of evil evil is anything which makes the earth worse than it otherwise could have been griffins interpretation of god creating the earth in his book god, power and evil. In 306 bce, when epicurus was 35, he purchased a house on the outskirts of athens and allowed people to live there. Epicurus on the three obstacles to happiness and tranquility.
The problem of evil clearly posits a singular god, epicurus was not monotheistic, we see this in his writings. Here, satan claims that job, who represents mankind, only serves and obeys god because of the blessings and protection god has given him and that job would cease his obedience to god if inflicted. Diogenes preserves in book x of his lives and opinions. The monotheistic god of christianity, judaism and islam assumes the divine qualities of omnipotence, omniscience and omni benevolence. Summary of the philosphy of epicurus reason and meaning. The problem of evil stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. This perspective on the problem is represented regularly in later biblical texts such as habakkuk 3 7 th century bc, and romans 4 1 st century ad. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The concept of god epicurus is critiquing is one developed by theologians who applied a platonic filter to interpreting the bible. Ill leave you all with this quote attributed to epicurus easily one of my all time favorite philosophers who is recorded as one of the first notable people to raise the problem of evil. Epicurus on the logical problem of evil in lactantius evil and the treatsie on the anger of god.
After weeks of exploring the existence of nature of god, today hank explores one of the biggest problems in theism, and possibly the biggest. Despite the suffering in the world, we have reason to go forth with great hope that every tear shall be wiped away. A first time reader or student looking to introduce themselves to epicurus could do worse than starting. Not so much the essential epicurus as it is the collected fragments of epicurus. The problem of evil is the question of how to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with an omnipotent, omnibenevolent, and omniscient god. Epicurus described god as malevolent, meaning cruel, when explaining the contradictions between the nature of god and the presence of evil and suffering. The answer is that the many problems of evil, for they are all distinct, do form a family and are intimately related to one another. A central concept here is the problem of causal responsibility, and whether this responsibility can be attached to our initial constitution our nature, our physiology, to the. Epicurus was born on the island of samos of athenian parents who had gone there as.
Epicurus, greek philosopher, author of an ethical philosophy of simple pleasure, friendship, and retirement. Mar 01, 2015 while there may be other versions of the problem of evil, lpe as applied by epicurus quadrilemma fails. The allloving father proclaimed by many faiths cannot exist. Quote epicurus on the problem of evil pascals bookie. The brilliant writings of a highly influential greek philosopher, with a foreword by daniel klein, author of travels with epicurus the teachings of epicurusabout life and death, religion and science, physical sensation, happiness, morality, and friendshipattracted legions of adherents throughout the ancient mediterranean world and deeply influenced later european. The theistic concept of god as supremely powerful, intelligent, and good makes the problem very difficult because such a being, it would seem, would make a much better world than this one. Didnt epicurus prove that the idea of an allpowerful, perfectly benevolent god contradicts the. In the former case, the problem is the difficulty of adopting or maintaining an. Instead, it should drive us to god, humbly asking for his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven matthew 6. Oct 23, 2017 leibniz had a more direct issue, one that the greeks thought they had already put to rest well, at least epicurus did. Ill leave you all with this quote attributed to epicurus easily one of my all time favorite philosophers who is recorded as one.
I know i havent written anything about the problem of evil yet but its been hard to find the time. Evidential problem of evil, the internet encyclopedia of. The problem of evil arises from the supposition that a perfectly good god would not allow evil to exist in the world or, more commonly, would not create a world containing evil, and that an omniscient and omnipotent god should be able to arrange the world according to his intentions. God and the world religious experiences are an illusion of the mind. Originating with greek philosopher epicurus, the logical argument from evil is as follows if an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent god exists, then evil does not there is evil in the world. Epicurus quadrilemma and the logical problem of evil. The problem with this is that evil is a free will issue. With that in mind you get that same magic you do with more earlier thinkers, namely a philosophical burlesque show which piques the interest whilst keeping the substantive parts hidden. Epicurus agrees with aristotle that happiness is an endinitself and the highest good of human living. It may, for example, be expressed either as an experiential problem or as a theoretical problem. If god does not exist, then we are locked without hope in a world filled with gratuitous and unredeemed suffering.
Epicurus presupposes a moral absolute that if god can prevent evil, then he should. Epicurus of samos 341270 bc, who flourished not long after aristotle died, founded a school of philosophy that convened at his home and garden in athens. Epicurus taught that the basic constituents of the world. The problem of evil has been addressed by philosophers for centuries. The first recorded musing on the poe is attributed although apocryphally to the greek philosopher epicurus, who is said to have written. Adam and eve, detail by giulio clovio, from the book of hours of alessandro. If this was an area the author didnt want discussed, it might have been a good idea to leave epicurus out of it. If we were to use the 10 commandments as a standard of understanding what is right and wrong, there are some points everyone would agree on. An important statement of the problem of evil, attributed to epicurus, was cited by. You mean, how can we square god with the mystery of evil. Hitchens briefly mentions the problem of evil, though the real value of the debate for purposes of this blog is the discussion of objective moral values. Lives of eminent philosophers, book x by diogenes laertius c. Epicurus is one of the major philosophers in the hellenistic period, the three centuries following the death of alexander the great in 323 b. In your concluding paragraph you make a great deal out of your individualism and your right to be left alone with the most intimate details of.
The problem of how much evil all, most, some ought to be prevented is not addressed. The inscription sets out epicurus teachings on physics, epistemology, and ethics. The paradox also clearly indicates that god has both the will and divine power to create things, and create that which interferes with our lives, a complete contradiction to the contemplating and being of blessedness view espoused. We know epicurus wrote many books and we know the titles of these books since they are listed by diogenes laertius, the great third century biographer of the greek philosophers. It has all of epicurus fragments, letters and writings. Epicurus is highlighting the inconsistency between the existence of an allpowerful and allloving god and the existence of evil in the world. A critical analysis on the problem of evil theistic approach thesis statement. The problem of evilsuffering has been a thorn in the side of theism for thousands of years this is one of the earliest formations of the argument from the greek philosopher epicurus 341 bc 270. Thomas are correct, then the rational soul lives on after death.