The problem of evil: with special reference to P.T. Forsyth, John Wisdom and Ludwig Wittgenstein

[摘要] Chapter one begins with a definition and exposition of the conceptof theodicy, and a topology for characterizing comparative theodiciesis suggested. It is argued that the basis on which theodicies mightbe compared is the foundational ontological principles on which theyare built. Chapter two is a lengthy discussion regarding the meaningof terms such as omnipotence omniscience omnibenevolence, moral eviland natural evil. Chapter three begins with a critical analysis of avariety of theodicies found throughout the history of Christian theology.The final conclusion drawn in this chapter is that none of the proposedanswers is acceptable. Acceptability is measured in three important ways:First, is the position logically consistent, second, does it conform,at least in a broad way, to the major tenents of the Christian form oflife, and third, does this position take the individual sufferer seriously?In chapter four a foundation is laid for a response to the problem of evil which is to follow in chapter five. In this penultimate chapteran analysis of the Book of Job is offered which centers on the interpretation of Yahweh's speeches out of the whirlwind. It is suggestedthat the crux of Jobs repentance is to be understood in connectionwith Job "seeing God." In chapter five, an attempt is made, usingthe help of Karl Barth, D. M. Mackinnon, P. T. Forsyth, Ludwig Wittgensteinand John Wisdom, as well as some insights gained from chapterfour, to argue that there is a teleological response to the problem of evilthat is logically consistent, true to the Christian form of life andsensitive to the needs of the individual sufferer.

[发布机构] University:University of St Andrews;Department:Divinity (School of)

[效力级别] Wittgenstein, Ludwig, 1889-1951

[关键词] Forsyth, Peter Taylor, 1848-1921;Wittgenstein, Ludwig, 1889-1951;Wisdom, John