Disease and the Problem of Evil | Prof. Stephen C. Meredith

6 snips

Mar 5, 2025

In this thought-provoking discussion, Professor Stephen C. Meredith, a renowned expert from the University of Chicago, delves into the philosophical complexities surrounding disease and the problem of evil. He examines historical perspectives from Aquinas and Leibniz, connecting them to modern issues like genetics and evolution. The talk covers poignant topics such as the moral implications of suffering, the interplay between cancer and original sin, and the urgent need for compassion towards the vulnerable. Meredith's insights blend science, philosophy, and ethics in a compelling narrative.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

The Blood of the Lamb

Peter DeVries's novel "The Blood of the Lamb" tells the story of a young girl with leukemia.
DeVries blends comedy and theology, offering poignant insights into suffering.

ANECDOTE

Sylvester's Case

Sylvester, a 14-year-old with sickle cell anemia, suffered from pain crises and other complications.
His case highlighted the devastating impact of a single nucleotide mutation.

INSIGHT

Sickle Cell Biology

Sickle cell trait provides malaria resistance but can lead to sickle cell anemia.
This balanced polymorphism demonstrates a complex biological trade-off.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

At the Origins of Modern Atheism

Michael J. Buckley

Animals and why they matter

Mary Midgley

Simplicissimus Simplicissimus

Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen

Theodicy

Leibniz

Danton's death

Georg Büchner

Naming the Silences

Daniel Harawas

Confessions

Augustine

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence[2][4][5].

Gulliver's travels

Jonathan Swift

Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" is a satirical masterpiece that uses fantastical journeys to critique human nature and societal flaws. Gulliver's encounters with Lilliputians, Brobdingnagians, and other fantastical creatures serve as allegories for political and social issues of Swift's time. The novel's sharp wit and biting satire continue to resonate with readers today, offering a timeless commentary on human folly and the complexities of power. Gulliver's experiences highlight the absurdity of human conflict and the importance of reason and moderation. The book's enduring popularity stems from its ability to entertain while simultaneously provoking thought and challenging readers' assumptions.

Book of Job

Stephen Mitchell

The Book of Job is an Old Testament book that explores themes of suffering, faith, and the nature of God. It tells the story of Job, a righteous man who endures immense suffering despite his piety. The book features dialogues between Job and his friends, who attempt to explain his suffering, and between Job and God. It raises profound questions about the relationship between God and humanity, the problem of evil, and the meaning of life. The Book of Job is considered a literary masterpiece, known for its poetic language and philosophical depth. It remains a source of reflection and inspiration for readers grappling with the complexities of faith and suffering.

Annals of the Former World

John McPhee

Annals of the Former World is a collection of five books—Basin and Range, In Suspect Terrain, Rising from the Plains, Assembling California, and Crossing the Craton—that explore the geological history of North America. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1999. It is the culmination of two decades of research and travel across the continent with noted geologists.

null

Sir Michael Howard

Mere Christianity

C.S. Lewis

In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style[1][2][4].

FATHERS AND SONS IN ATHENS

Barry Strauss

The antichrist

Friedrich Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche's "The Antichrist" is a highly critical assessment of Christianity and its influence on Western culture. Nietzsche attacks Christian morality and its values, arguing that they are life-denying and have stifled human potential. He advocates for a revaluation of all values and a rejection of traditional religious beliefs. The book is known for its provocative and often inflammatory language. It's a significant work in understanding Nietzsche's critique of religion and his vision for a new morality. It remains a controversial but influential text.

The Brothers Karamazov

Larissa Volokhonsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Richard Pevear

Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason. It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty. The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason[2][5][4].

Waiting for Godot

Samuel Beckett

Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" is a seminal work of absurdist theatre. The play features two tramps, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait endlessly for the enigmatic Mr. Godot, whose arrival is perpetually delayed. Beckett's minimalist style and his exploration of existential themes have made the play a cornerstone of modern drama. The play's ambiguous nature and its exploration of meaninglessness and the human condition continue to resonate with audiences today. "Waiting for Godot" remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that challenges conventional notions of narrative and dramatic structure.

Summa theologica

Thomas Aquinas

The Summa Theologica is a comprehensive work divided into three parts. The first part deals with God, the creation of the world, angels, and the nature of man. The second part is subdivided into two sections: the first part of the second part discusses general principles of morality and law, while the second part of the second part addresses morality in particular, including individual virtues and vices. The third part, left unfinished by Aquinas, focuses on the person and work of Christ and the sacraments. The work also includes a posthumous supplement that concludes the third part and discusses Christian eschatology. Aquinas drew on Aristotelian and Augustinian influences and aimed to integrate faith and reason in his theological arguments[1][2][4].

Blood of the Lamb

Richard Dawkins

The consolation of philosophy

Boethius

Boethius's 'Consolation of Philosophy' is a philosophical treatise written while he awaited execution. The work explores themes of fortune, adversity, and the nature of good and evil. Through a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy, the text examines the relationship between God and the world, grappling with questions of divine providence and human suffering. It offers a blend of philosophical and theological perspectives, providing solace and insight into the challenges of life. The book remains a significant work in the history of philosophy and theology.

Candide

François-Marie Arouet

Voltaire

Candide, written by Voltaire, is a satirical novel that critiques metaphysical optimism, particularly the philosophy of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. The story revolves around Candide, a naive and optimistic young man who is expelled from his home after an illicit affair with the baron's daughter, Cunégonde. Candide and his companions, including his tutor Pangloss, experience a series of horrific events such as wars, earthquakes, slavery, and other atrocities. Despite these hardships, Pangloss persists in his belief that 'all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.' The novel ultimately concludes with Candide and his friends settling on a farm in Turkey, where they find happiness by focusing on practical, everyday tasks rather than philosophical speculations. Voltaire uses satire to lampoon various aspects of 18th-century society, including science, philosophy, religion, and government[2][3][5].

De Rerum Natura

On the Nature of Things

Titus Lucretius Carus

De Rerum Natura is a six-book poem written in Latin hexameters by Lucretius. It sets forth the physical theory of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, explaining the principles of atomism, the mortality of the soul, and the natural explanations for various phenomena. The poem is divided into six books, each addressing different aspects of Epicurean philosophy, including the atomic structure of the universe, the nature of mind and soul, the mechanics of sense perception, and the origins of the world and human society. Lucretius argues that the universe operates according to natural laws without divine intervention, and he aims to eliminate fear of death and the supernatural by demonstrating that all phenomena can be explained by natural causes[2][3][4].