
The Free Will Show
Episode 81: Free Will and the Problem of Evil with Daniel Speak
Aug 19, 2024
Daniel Speak, a Professor of Philosophy specializing in metaphysics and the problem of evil, shares his insightful journey into the complexities of free will. He humorously explores racquetball anecdotes while delving into the tension between evil and an all-good deity. The discussion spans historical and modern views on moral responsibility, highlighting thinkers like John Hick and Alvin Plantinga. Speak emphasizes human evolution as a divine journey of moral growth, emphasizing the importance of free will in shaping character and overcoming life's challenges.
49:57
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Quick takeaways
- The intricate relationship between free will and the problem of evil highlights significant philosophical and theological tensions surrounding the existence of suffering.
- Philosophers like John Hick and Alvin Plantinga argue that free will is essential for moral growth, providing insights into the rationale for evil's existence.
Deep dives
Introduction to Free Will and the Problem of Evil
The discussion highlights the intricate relationship between free will and theological dilemmas, specifically the problem of evil. The problem of evil presents philosophical tensions between the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good deity and the presence of suffering and moral wrongs in the world. This relationship fuels ongoing debates in philosophy regarding whether the existence of evil undermines theistic beliefs. The speakers suggest that understanding and exploring free will can provide crucial insights into these philosophical and theological discussions.
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