God and the Problem of Evil (Blackwell Readings in Philosophy) (Hardcover)

~ William L. Rowe (Editor) "218. I come now to the principal objection M. Bayle, after M. Arnauld, brings up against me..." (more)
Key Phrases: evidential arguer, noseeum assumption, noseeum arguments, New York, Free Will Defence, Alvin Plantinga (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"God and the Problem of Evil is the best anthology on this important topic on the market. Highly recommended for classroom adoption." Bill Wainwright, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

"This is a splendid and unique collection. It contains both explicit and implicit dialogue. It is beautifully balanced between atheistic and theistic perspectives. And for its size it is remarkably comprehensive, covering both logical and evidential problems and both theodicies and defenses. Paul Draper, Florida International University

Product Description

God and the Problem of Evil considers the question of whether the amount of seemingly pointless malice and suffering in our world counts against the rationality of belief in God, a being who is understood to be all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good.

Beginning with historically significant essays by Leibniz and Hume, the book then focuses on contemporary discussions of the problem of evil. The volume concludes with three important articles that sketch an explanation of why God might need to permit the terrible evils that abound in our world.

The study of these essays and replies will provide students with a thorough understanding of the central issues involved in the problem of evil.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 332 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (July 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631222200
• ISBN-13: 978-0631222200
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,321,171 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Collection of Essays, April 7, 2009

By	Ryan Mullins (Deerfield, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God and the Problem of Evil (Blackwell Readings in Philosophy) (Paperback)

William Rowe has made significant contributions to the field of philosophy of religion. His work on the evidential problem of evil has been stimulating and fair. This collection of essays is no different. Rowe does a fine job of bringing together a variety of perspectives on the problem of evil. Section 1 offers a historical framework for the discussion. Section 2 examines the logical problem of evil. Sections 3 and 4 are the high lights in my mind because most of the contemporary debates are taking place on the issues covered here. Section 3 covers the evidential argument from evil and section 4 presents several of the major strands of theodicy.

I wish to make one further comment on section 3. This is where a majority of the debates are taking place. Surprisingly, the logical problem of evil has been widely agreed upon to be of little difficulty for theistic belief. As such the focus in the contemporary scene has been on whether or not evil provides evidence against theistic belief. Does the existence of evil make theistic belief less likely than atheism? This section contains a great back and forth between Rowe arguing against theism, and Mike Bergmann and Daniel Howard-Snyder critiquing Rowe's argument.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the problem of evil or in philosophy of religion.