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The Problem of Evil

The Problem of Evil. Dr. Steve Cowan. The Logical Problem of Evil (1) If God exists, he is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. (2) An omnipotent being has the ability to prevent evil. (3) An omniscient being has the knowledge to prevent evil.

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The Problem of Evil

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  1. The Problem of Evil Dr. Steve Cowan

  2. The Logical Problem of Evil (1) If God exists, he is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. (2) An omnipotent being has the ability to prevent evil. (3) An omniscient being has the knowledge to prevent evil. (4) An omnibenevolent being has the desire to prevent evil. (5) Therefore, if God exists, there is no evil. (6) There is evil. (7) Therefore, God does not exist. (4’) An omnibenevolent being can allow evil when it is a necessary condition for bringing about a greater good.

  3. The Evidential Problem of Evil • If God exists, there would be no pointless evil. • There is pointless evil. • Therefore, God does not exist. • The Noseeum Inference: • I do not see an x. • Therefore, there likely is no x. • Rowe’s Noseeum Inference Concerning God’s Reasons for Evil: • I do not see a reason why God would allow instance of evil x. • Therefore, there likely is no reason why God would allow instance of evil x.

  4. The Evidential Problem of Evil The Noseeum Rationality Principle: A noseeum inference is reasonable when it would be reasonable to believe that we would see the item in question if it existed. --Per Daniel Howard-Snyder

  5. The Evidential Problem of Evil Turning Rowe’s Argument on its Head: • If God exists, there would be no pointless evil. • God exists. • Therefore, there is no pointless evil.

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