Episode 81: Free Will and the Problem of Evil with Daniel Speak
Aug 19, 2024
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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.
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.
The Problem of Evil Explained
The problem of evil encompasses a series of philosophical challenges that question the coherence of a traditional theistic perspective in light of the existence of evil. The tension arises from affirming God's omnipotence, omniscience, and benevolence while acknowledging the presence of suffering and injustice in the world. Important historical figures, such as Epicurus and Hume, have shaped the modern discourse around this issue, framing it as a significant dilemma for believers. The speakers emphasize understanding this problem as not merely one question, but rather as a family of interrelated challenges that confronts the rationality of theistic beliefs.
Responses from Hick and Plantinga
Responses to the problem of evil from philosophers like John Hick and Alvin Plantinga emphasize the value of free will and its implications for moral growth. Hick introduces the idea of 'soul-making,' arguing that the presence of challenges and obstacles in life is essential for developing moral character and achieving a genuine relationship with God. In contrast, Plantinga's free will defense offers a modal argument suggesting that the potential for evil arises from the necessity of granting humans libertarian free will, thereby valuing moral responsibility over a deterministic design. Both positions suggest that the existence of evil contributes to a greater purpose in developing morally responsible agents.
Value of Free Will in Theological Discussions
The value attributed to free will plays a crucial role in the discussion of why a benevolent God might permit evil to exist in the world. Advocates for the intrinsic worth of free will argue that without it, the concepts of moral responsibility, meaningful creativity, and authentic love would be undermined. However, dissenters challenge the notion that free will is worth the tragic consequences of allowing evil to exist, leading to debates over what constitutes a morally valuable life. The ongoing discourse on the valuation of free will emphasizes its centrality to both philosophical discussions about existence and theological considerations of divine character.
This ninth season of the podcast will explore topics on free will and theology. In this episode, we talk with Dan Speak about free will and the problem of evil.