Anti-Theodicy

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  • T.G. Betenson
  • T. Betenson
In this article, I outline the major themes of anti-theodicy'. Anti-theodicy is characterised as a reaction, as rejection, against traditional solutions to the problem of evil (called theodicies') and against the traditional formulations of the problem of evil to which those solutions respond. I detail numerous moral' anti-theodical objections to theodicy, illustrating the central claim of anti-theodicy: Theodicy is morally objectionable. I also detail some non-moral' anti-theodical objections, illustrating the second major claim of anti-theodicy: Traditional formulations of the problem of evil are conceptually misguided. My focus remains on the analytic philosophical tradition throughout, but I briefly allude to the rich theological tradition of anti-theodicy. Although we should recognise the significant degree of diversity amongst anti-theodical arguments and the philosophical views of their proponents, this article should serve to illustrate the general theme: Theodicies mediate a praxis that sanctions evil.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)56-65
JournalPhilosophy Compass
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Jan 2016
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