Beschreibung
This book is a logical and philosophical analysis of the problem of evil in the light of a modern theodicy. Definitions are given for several kinds of evil like «basic evil», «necessary evil», «legitimate evil», «illegitimate evil», «moral evil». Many evils are contingent and avoidable since a global determinism is untenable. A special explanation is given for the fact: How evil accompanies the good. Can evil be desired at all? Omnipotence is acceptable, allwillingness is refutable.
To the main question of theodicy three explanations are offered and it is shown that the attacks against theism with the help of the existence of evil, like Hume’s and other arguments are either logical fallacies or use false or very problematic premises.
The appendix shows that there are consistent theories with the theses: God is omniscient and omnipotent, whatever God wills is good, there are different evils including moral evil.
Autorenportrait
The Author: Paul Weingarnter, elementary school teacher, studied philosophy, mathematics and physics and some psychology and pedagogics at the university of Innsbruck. Ph.D. 1961 in philosophy and physics. Research fellowship in London (Popper) and Munich (Stegmüller). 1971-1999 Prof. of philosophy (since 1999 Prof. em.) at the university of Salzburg, since 1972 chairman of the Institute for the Philosophy of Science at the Internationales Forschungszentrum Salzburg. Author of several books and research articles. Guest lectures (including visiting professorships) at 95 universities in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. Honory Doctorate, Marie Curie University, Lublin, Poland.
