Handout 6 - The Logical Problem of Evil

(T)   God exists and is omniscient, omnipotent, and perfectly good.

'(T)' stands for Theism

(E)   Evil exists.

(Prime example of evil: undeserved suffering)

Mackie's Argument
1. (T) and (E) are logically inconsistent.
2. Evil exists.
3. Therefore, Theism is false.

Some Principles about Good Things and Evil: Attempts to Establish Premise 1

P1:   A good being always eliminates evil as far as it can.

Objections: quibble about 'eliminates'; goodness vs. perfect goodness

P2:   A perfectly good being prevents any evil that it can.

Counterexample: Plantinga's Case of the Stranded Motorist

P3: An omniscient and perfectly good being prevents any evil that it can.

Counterexample: The Case of the Omniscient Physician (modified from Plantinga)

P4: An omniscient, omnipotent, and perfectly good being will prevent any evil.

Counterexample: Plantinga's Case of Magnificently Borne Pain; Soul-Building Evils

P5: An omniscient, omnipotent, and perfectly good being will prevent any evil that is not logically necessary for a good that outweighs it.

Objection: Does not render (T) and (E) inconsistent.