The Evidential Problem of Evil: Explore the Philosophical Debate

Question 1

In the Evidential Problem of Evil, which premise is considered essential?

Accepted Answer

God possesses both unlimited power and perfect goodness.

Answer

Evil solely arises from human decisions.

Answer

The presence of evil definitively refutes God's existence.

Question 2

Which response to the Evidential Problem of Evil highlights human accountability for their actions?

Accepted Answer

Free Will Defense

Answer

Hiddenness Defense

Answer

Problem of Hell

Answer

Problem of Natural Evil

Question 3

Which response to the Evidential Problem of Evil suggests that evil is essential for humans to have free will?

Accepted Answer

The Free Will Defense

Answer

The Hiddenness Defense

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

The question of why an all-powerful, all-good God allows evil to exist

Answer

The argument that God cannot exist because of the presence of suffering

Answer

The belief that God creates evil for a specific purpose

Answer

The claim that there is no evidence for the existence of God

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a common response to the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

Ontological argument

Answer

Free will defense

Answer

Hidden purpose defense

Answer

Problem of hell

Question 6

In the free will defense, evil is justified because it:

Accepted Answer

Allows for the creation of moral beings

Answer

Is necessary for human happiness

Answer

Ultimately leads to a greater good

Answer

Is a natural consequence of the laws of nature

Question 7

Ultimately, the Evidential Problem of Evil...

Accepted Answer

Is a question that cannot be fully resolved

Answer

Provides definitive proof that God does not exist

Answer

Can be easily dismissed with logical arguments

Answer

Is irrelevant to religious faith

Question 8

Define the key assumption of the Evidential Problem of Evil.

Accepted Answer

Evil exists in the world.

Answer

God is all-benevolent.

Answer

God is all-powerful.

Answer

God does not exist.

Question 9

Which philosopher is associated with the 'Problem of Evil from Suffering'?

Accepted Answer

David Hume

Answer

William Paley

Answer

John Hick

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 10

State a potential implication of the Evidential Problem of Evil for religious belief.

Accepted Answer

It can lead to skepticism or atheism.

Answer

It strengthens faith by demonstrating the compatibility of God and evil.

Answer

It has no impact on religious belief.

Answer

It proves that God does not exist.

Question 11

Identify a distinction made within the Evidential Problem of Evil.

Accepted Answer

Moral evil versus natural evil

Answer

Intrinsic evil versus instrumental evil

Answer

Absolute evil versus relative evil

Answer

Psychological evil versus metaphysical evil

Question 12

The central argument of the Evidential Problem of Evil is:

Accepted Answer

The existence of suffering and evil **contradicts** the belief in a benevolent and omnipotent God.

Answer

Religious texts provide **insufficient** evidence to prove the existence of God.

Answer

Moral arguments against the existence of God are more **convincing** than arguments from design.

Answer

The problem of evil is **irrelevant** to the question of God's existence.

Question 13

Which response to the Problem of Evil suggests that suffering is a necessary element of a morally valuable world?

Accepted Answer

The soul-making theodicy

Answer

The free will defense

Answer

The hidden-God defense

Answer

The evidential defense

Question 14

According to the free will defense, evil exists because:

Accepted Answer

Humans have the freedom to choose evil.

Answer

God **does not have** the power to prevent it.

Answer

Natural disasters are **beyond** God's control.

Answer

Evil is **necessary** for human growth and progress.

Question 15

The term 'natural evil' refers to suffering caused by:

Accepted Answer

Natural disasters and events

Answer

Humans

Answer

Human ignorance

Answer

Sin and disobedience

Question 16

One consequence of the Evidential Problem of Evil is that it:

Accepted Answer

Weakens the belief in an omnipotent and benevolent God.

Answer

Disproves the existence of God.

Answer

Strengthens the case for atheism.

Answer

Has no significant implications for religious belief.

Question 17

According to the hidden-God defense, the existence of evil is compatible with the existence of a benevolent God because:

Accepted Answer

God has hidden his presence from the world.

Answer

Evil is necessary for the development of faith.

Answer

God is working behind the scenes to overcome evil.

Answer

Humans are responsible for creating and perpetuating evil.

Question 18

A limitation of the soul-making theodicy is that it:

Accepted Answer

Cannot account for **gratuitous** suffering.

Answer

Assumes that suffering is **always** beneficial.

Answer

Contradicts the belief in a loving God.

Answer

Requires a belief in reincarnation.

Question 19

How does the Evidential Problem of Evil challenge the concept of omnibenevolence?

Accepted Answer

Omnibenevolence cannot coexist with evil.

Answer

Omnibenevolence allows for some evil.

Answer

Omnibenevolence uses evil to test morality.

Answer

Omnibenevolence is unrelated to the Evidential Problem of Evil.

Question 20

In the context of the Evidential Problem of Evil, what is the main difference between natural evil and moral evil?

Accepted Answer

Natural evil occurs naturally, while moral evil is caused by human actions.

Answer

Natural evil is caused by God, while moral evil is caused by humans.

Answer

Both natural and moral evil have the same cause.

Answer

There is no difference between natural and moral evil in the Evidential Problem of Evil.

Question 21

What is the purpose of Theodicy in relation to the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

To provide explanations for the existence of evil

Answer

To deny the existence of evil

Answer

To suggest that evil is an illusion

Answer

To solely blame human free will for the existence of evil

Question 22

Which fundamental assumption is essential to the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

God possesses omnipotence, omniscience, and perfect benevolence.

Answer

Evil is an inherent aspect of nature.

Answer

The extent of evil in the world is insignificant.

Answer

Human suffering solely stems from human actions.

Question 23

How does the Evidential Problem of Evil challenge the idea that God is both all-powerful and perfectly good?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that God cannot be both omnipotent and perfectly good because the existence of evil contradicts the idea of a perfectly benevolent and omnipotent being.

Answer

It implies that God must be a complex being with multiple attributes, contradicting the notion of Divine Simplicity.

Answer

It undermines the notion that God is the ultimate source of all things, as the existence of evil suggests an external source.

Answer

It does not have any implications for the concept of Divine Simplicity.

Question 24

According to the Evidential Problem of Evil, the presence of suffering and evil in the world provides:

Accepted Answer

Evidence against the existence of God.

Answer

Evidence for the existence of God.

Answer

Evidence for God's omnipotence.

Answer

Evidence against God's omniscience.

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a key concept related to the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

Ethics.

Answer

Theodicy.

Answer

Omnipotence.

Answer

Omniscience.

Question 26

The Free Will Defense argues that suffering and evil are necessary because:

Accepted Answer

They allow humans to make moral choices.

Answer

They demonstrate God's power.

Answer

They are part of a divine plan that humans cannot understand.

Answer

They serve as punishment for sin.

Question 27

The Irenaean Theodicy suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Suffering is a necessary part of the process of creation.

Answer

God created evil as a punishment for human sin.

Answer

Suffering is an illusion caused by our own perceptions.

Answer

God is not responsible for the evil in the world.

Question 28

In the context of the Evidential Problem of Evil, which of the following terms refers to the idea that God cannot be both all-powerful and all-good?

Accepted Answer

Omnipotence paradox.

Answer

Theodicy.

Answer

Free will defense.

Answer

Irenaean Theodicy.

Question 29

Ultimately, the Evidential Problem of Evil challenges:

Accepted Answer

The attributes of God.

Answer

The existence of God Himself.

Answer

The relationship between God and humans.

Answer

The purpose of life.

Question 30

Who is widely recognized as the philosopher who first formulated the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

David Hume

Answer

Plato

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 31

Which logical fallacy involves misrepresenting an argument by presenting an extreme or distorted version of it?

Accepted Answer

Straw man

Answer

Appeal to ignorance

Answer

Ad hominem

Answer

Circular reasoning

Question 32

How does the Free Will Defense seek to address the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

It asserts that God cannot prevent evil without infringing on human freedom.

Answer

It denies the existence of evil.

Answer

It argues that evil is necessary for the development of moral character.

Answer

It claims that God punishes evil in the afterlife.

Question 33

Which of the following is a central premise of the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

The existence of evil makes the existence of an all-good and all-powerful God improbable.

Answer

Evil does not exist.

Answer

The existence of evil proves the existence of God.

Answer

Suffering is always a punishment for sin.

Question 34

According to the Free Will Defense, why does God permit evil to exist?

Accepted Answer

To give us the opportunity to choose good over evil.

Answer

To test our faith.

Answer

Because He is not powerful enough to prevent it.

Answer

To punish us for our sins.

Question 35

Who is widely regarded as the philosopher who first formulated the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

Epicurus

Answer

Plato

Answer

Aquinas

Answer

Kant

Question 36

How is the 'problem of natural evil' distinct from the 'problem of moral evil'?

Accepted Answer

Moral evil is caused by human actions, while natural evil is caused by natural events.

Answer

Natural evil is caused by human actions, while moral evil is caused by natural events.

Answer

Natural evil is caused by God, while moral evil is caused by humans.

Answer

Moral evil is caused by God, while natural evil is caused by humans.

Question 37

What is the 'irenic approach' to the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

It maintains that the existence of evil is compatible with the existence of God.

Answer

It maintains that the existence of evil is incompatible with the existence of God.

Answer

It maintains that we cannot know whether or not God exists based on the existence of evil.

Answer

It maintains that evil is a necessary part of the universe.

Question 38

How does the Evidential Problem of Evil challenge the belief in a benevolent and all-powerful God?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that the existence of suffering and evil contradicts the idea of a God who is both good and all-powerful.

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of faith in explaining the presence of evil in the world.

Answer

It has no bearing on faith, as faith is based on personal beliefs rather than evidence.

Question 39

What is the central argument of the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

The prevalence of evil and suffering contradicts the notion of an omnipotent and benevolent God.

Answer

Evil is merely an illusion created by our own minds.

Answer

The existence of God cannot be definitively proven or disproven through logical arguments.

Question 40

Which response to the Evidential Problem of Evil does NOT attempt to justify God's existence despite the presence of evil?

Accepted Answer

The Problem of Hiddenness

Answer

God permits evil as part of a larger plan for a greater good.

Answer

Evil is a necessary component of human free will.

Question 41

What is the position of atheism in relation to the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

The existence of evil and suffering provides evidence against the existence of God.

Answer

The issue of evil and suffering is irrelevant to the question of God's existence.

Answer

Atheists believe that God exists but is not benevolent.

Question 42

What is the primary focus of the Problem of Natural Evil?

Accepted Answer

The suffering and evil that occurs in the natural world, such as natural disasters and diseases.

Answer

The suffering caused by human actions.

Answer

The suffering inflicted by supernatural forces.

Question 43

Which philosopher argued that the existence of moral evil, or human-caused suffering, is a more significant challenge to belief in God than natural evil?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

William Paley

Answer

David Hume

Answer

John Locke

Question 44

Which response to the Evidential Problem of Evil focuses on the intellectual difficulties of understanding why an omnipotent and benevolent God would allow evil?

Accepted Answer

The Problem of Hiddenness

Answer

The Greater Good Argument

Answer

The Free Will Defense

Answer

The Soul-Making Theodicy

Question 45

Which response to the Evidential Problem of Evil suggests that God allows evil to exist in order to create a world that is ultimately better?

Accepted Answer

The Greater Good Argument

Answer

The Problem of Hiddenness

Answer

The Soul-Making Theodicy

Answer

The Free Will Defense

Question 46

The Evidential Problem of Evil argues that the existence of suffering and evil is incompatible with which of the following attributes typically ascribed to God?

Accepted Answer

Omnibenevolence, Omnipotence, and Omniscience

Answer

Benevolence and Justice

Answer

Creation and Providence

Answer

Omniscience and Omnipresence

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a common response to the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

Evil is an illusion.

Answer

Evil is necessary for the greater good.

Answer

God's purposes are beyond human understanding.

Answer

Free will is the source of evil.

Question 48

The Free Will Defense attempts to explain the existence of evil by arguing that:

Accepted Answer

Humans have free will, allowing them to choose evil.

Answer

Evil is a necessary consequence of human progress.

Answer

Evil is a punishment for sin.

Question 49

The 'logical' problem of evil, distinct from the 'evidential' problem, argues that:

Accepted Answer

The existence of evil is logically incompatible with the existence of a perfectly benevolent, omnipotent, and omniscient God.

Answer

It focuses on the specific instances of suffering and evil in the world.

Question 50

The statement 'If God exists, there would be no evil in the world' is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A deductive argument.

Answer

A theological argument.

Answer

An inductive argument.

Question 51

The 'soul-making' theodicy suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Suffering and evil can contribute to our moral and spiritual development.

Answer

Evil is a necessary part of the natural order.

Answer

Evil is a punishment for sin.

Question 52

How might the 'hiddenness of God' argument be used to respond to the Evidential Problem of Evil?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that God's presence and actions may not be immediately apparent, making it challenging to judge God's actions based on our limited understanding.

Answer

It claims that God's existence is demonstrably hidden.

Question 53

Which of the following is a potential limitation of the Free Will Defense?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't adequately explain the existence of natural evil, such as earthquakes and disease.

Answer

It implies that God is indifferent to human suffering.

Answer

It undermines the concept of God's omnipotence.

Question 54

How might the Evidential Problem of Evil be used to support the position of atheism?

Accepted Answer

It challenges the compatibility of God's attributes with the existence of suffering, potentially undermining belief in God.

Answer

It provides definitive proof of atheism.

Question 55

Which of the following statements best reflects the significance of the Evidential Problem of Evil for philosophical and religious discussions?

Accepted Answer

It raises profound questions about the nature of God, the existence of evil, and the relationship between faith and reason.

Answer

It definitively proves the existence of God.