Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Philosophy Club

[mrlefty0706]

I do believe there is a problem of evil in the world today. The killing of innocent Ukrainians by the Russians and the senseless killing of innocent people in America in mass shootings are definitely evil personified. This evil needs to be removed from society permanently.

[Kirsten Schuder]

That's a loaded question. Are there people who pursue evil things, entertain evil thoughts, do evil things to others? Yes, I believe there are people who embrace "the dark side" and do their best to bring harm to other people. In my mind, I think this is evil. However, if we look at those evildoers through the eyes of love, we realize that these people do not act evilly for no reason, just because they want to. Instead, they grow up in a condition of abuse, neglect, and more abuse, which influences them to act the way they do. What, then, is truly evil? Maybe it is simply some acting in absence of love, or acting the way they have been taught to behave. It could be that evil is a word that stereotypes the people who behave in a way that goes against society.

[Sophia_D_Ajayi]

Evil is more predominant on earth than good. Saying there is no problem in evil is like agreeing to b be killed for no reason. There is evil in this world. And we as good people should always remember that and try to do as much good as we can.

[Meghan Soderholm]

As a Christian, I do agree that there is evil, and it does exist thanks to Satan. However, evil can be conquered and in certain areas of life not so strong and abundant. Evil does exist, there is no problem, and most importantly it does not have to be powerful.

Hi, Meghan Soderholm,

Thank you for your reply.

I love learning about different perspectives. I have a few questions for you, and I would love to receive and get to read your answers:

1. How do you define 'evil'?

2. Are the things you think are evil things that are in your control or things that are not in your control?

3. Are the things you think are evil things that you can change or things you cannot change?


In any case, I invite you to also reply in my topic, There is no "Is-Ought Problem" because there is no 'ought'. To me, it's the same concept, just in slightly different words.

To me, evil means anything that creates negative energy. This can mean anything from words, events, and actions that will negatively affect others and ourselves.

Some evil things are in your control, and some are not. YOUR words, actions, and events are in your control (i.e., social media posts on YOUR account, your reactions and responses to current events, and words others say). Actions, words, and events caused by others are not in your control (i.e., current events, scandals, and posts on social media by others).

Some you can change, and some you can't. Anything coming from you can be changed if you let it. You will never change other people unless they choose to change. There are also laws and rules made by others that are not always changeable, but you can voice concern for at least consideration, but change is not always guaranteed.

However, the number one way to potentially start change is to pray and leave it to God.

Thanks, Scott, for your questions! They had me thinking.

[Surabhi Rani]

I agree with the fact that everything is fair and justified in this world as per the laws of karma or nature. I have heard the idea that everything happens in this grand scheme of creation with a purpose, and there is no anarchy in this universe. So, I agree with the thought that there is no problem of evil because there is no evil.

[Thera reads]

This is a philosophical and theological issue that questions how the existence of evil and suffering can be reconciled with the existence of a benevolent and all-powerful God.

[Sargam Talreja]

I do agree that there is no problem of evil. Good and evil are human constructs that originate from within individuals. They are created and shaped by our perceptions, actions, and intentions. We have the capacity to make choices that lead to both good and evil outcomes. Concepts of good and evil are not attributed to divine creation.

[Favour Ozone]

In my perspective, there is no problem with evil. The power that an individual bestows on evil determines how it operates. If evil is viewed in a natural and good way, it is not a problem.

[Chioma Oz]

While I found agreement with certain aspects, there were also points of disagreement. Specifically, I don't share the belief that evil doesn't exist, as I see evidence of its presence in our shared world. Although we may contribute to its existence, it's undeniably present, regardless of its origins.

[Rendell Vosson]

This is a complex question because we all have our definitions of evil. What may be evil to one may be good to another person.

[Paavni Jain]

The problem of evil, a philosophical dilemma, questions the coexistence of omnipotent, omnibenevolent deities with the existence of evil. From a philosophical standpoint, diverse perspectives exist. Some argue that evil is a necessary part of free will and moral development, while others question the compatibility of an all-powerful, benevolent deity with the existence of suffering. The debate remains complex and subjective, intertwining theology, ethics, and metaphysics. My lack of personal beliefs means I don't agree or disagree, but the ongoing philosophical discourse reflects the nuanced exploration of fundamental questions about the nature of existence and morality.

[Mara Valentina]

The existence of evil is a complex and philosophical question that has been debated for centuries. I believe that the problem of evil is a real and important problem. It is something that we cannot ignore, and it is something that we must continue to wrestle with.

[Okoth Omondi]

This is a discussion forum topic for the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All.


I politely request that you only reply to this forum topic and question if you already read the whole book, since the book both explains what is meant by the claim "there is no problem of evil", and more importantly the book provides my reasoning and argument for the conclusion that there is no problem of evil.

In fact, the book contains an entire chapter titled, "There Is No Problem of Evil".

Among other important things, the text in that chapter states, "there is no problem of evil because there is no evil".

After reading the book, do you agree with that? Do you agree that there is no problem of evil?



---
The book is available for purchase from all major book retailers in both ebook and hardcover format.

One unique perspective on the problem of evil is the idea that challenges and hardships contribute to the growth and development of individuals and societies. From this viewpoint, evil or suffering is not solely a negative force but can serve as a catalyst for positive change and personal or collective improvement. This perspective suggests that overcoming adversity is an integral part of the human experience, shaping character and fostering resilience.

[Vane Manyenga]

Some philosophers and theologians propose theodicies, which are explanations aimed at reconciling the coexistence of God and evil. These theodicies may emphasize human free will, the greater good that can arise from suffering, or the limitations of human understanding in comprehending the divine plan.

[Miracle Kingss]

No, I disagree. This is a story from when I was eight years old. I was in the children's pool, using floats because I could not swim. I thought I would die when a group of kids on an inflatable pony submerged my head in the water for a short while. I have never been able to swim and have a fear of it.

That is an illustration of evil; evil is defined as people who are aware of right and wrong but nevertheless choose to act immorally.