Philosophy 240: Essay Topics 2

A theodicy (the attempt to reconcile the existence of evil with the existence of an all-good, all-powerful God) typically takes one of three related forms: 1) the rejection of traditional divine attributes; 2) the assertion that there is a higher good (e.g. free will) that justifies evil; 3) the position that evil is an illusion.  Discuss one or more of these approaches in depth.  Do you find any of these attempts convincing?  Why or why not? 

Evaluate John Hick’s idea of “soul-making” as a defense against the problem of evil.  Do you think that it is possible that God could have created good souls in a world without evil?  Why or why not?  Even if the possibility of evil is logically necessitated by something like free will, is it worth such a costly price?

What does William James mean by “the will to believe”?  Do you think it is legitimate to let factors other than reason enter into our decision procedure with respect to religion?  Why or why not?  How might someone like William Clifford respond to James?  Who are you more inclined to agree with?

Kierkegaard is one of the most notable representatives of believers who insist that reason can never aspire to God: what is required is a leap of faith.  What do you think of this position?  If faith is arbitrary, should it be praiseworthy?  Does it make sense to believe something for no reason whatsoever?

Schopenhauer presents religion as in conflict with the truth.  Still, he seems to believe that religion may serve an important function as a “noble lie.”  With respect to religion, is truth more important than practical consequences?  Give reasons for your position.

Freud argues that religious ideas are illusions.  If this is so, how does he account for their origins?  Do you find Freud's account convincing?  Why or why not?  Even if religious ideas were illusions, do you think they could still be socially beneficial?

Among the many reasons Bertrand Russell gives for why he is not a Christian, he includes Christ’s belief in hell.  Why does Russell insist that this belief is a problem?  Would you agree with his position?  Why or why not?