Parker's Pensées Ep. 273 - The Problem of Evil for Atheism, Multiversal Pantheism, and Theism w/Dr. Yujin Nagasawa
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Sep 8, 2025 Dr. Yujin Nagasawa, a philosophy professor and author of 'The Problem of Evil for Atheists,' delves into the intricate challenges posed by the problem of evil across different belief systems. He introduces groundbreaking ideas specific to atheists and multiverse pantheism, critiquing traditional views and exploring new frameworks. The conversation navigates the tension between an all-loving God and the existence of suffering, while prompting both atheists and theists to rethink their understanding of morality, existence, and the nature of suffering.
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Author's Cover Choice Story
- Yujin selected his book cover after seeing a Tokyo museum painting of a cat stalking fish.
- He chose animals to reflect Darwin's question about suffering in nature.
Why The Book Is Open Access
- The book was made open access thanks to a Templeton Foundation grant covering publisher fees.
- Nagasawa values broad readership over profit for philosophical works.
Three-Variable Framework For Evil
- The problem of evil is framed as three variables: God, evil, and their relationship, allowing many reformulations.
- Changing any variable (e.g., God to optimism) produces novel problems across worldviews.
