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3 - Ways around the Problem

Neo-Cartesian Theory and Skeptical Theism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 March 2020

John R. Schneider
Affiliation:
Calvin College, Michigan
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Summary

This chapter contains discussion of two distinct skeptical ways around the Darwinian problem of evil. One way is neo-Cartesian theory, according to which we are in no epistemic position to know that animals suffer in a subjective manner comparable to the conscious suffering of human beings. The other isSkeptical Theism, according to which we are in no epistemic position to say with confidence that some apparently gratuitous evils really are gratuitous, i.e., not grounded in morally sufficient reasons that God has for allowing them. The author explains why he does not accept either of these skeptical means of escape from the Darwinian Problem. The prima facie appearance of animal suffering is too strong to be overridden by the reasons and evidence that advocates of the neo-Cartesian view give for such skepticism. Further, the author contends that the absence of God-justifying explanation, which advocates of Skeptical Theism see as expected on theism, is in fact incompatible with the parental goodness of God.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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  • Ways around the Problem
  • John R. Schneider, Calvin College, Michigan
  • Book: Animal Suffering and the Darwinian Problem of Evil
  • Online publication: 17 March 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108767439.005
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  • Ways around the Problem
  • John R. Schneider, Calvin College, Michigan
  • Book: Animal Suffering and the Darwinian Problem of Evil
  • Online publication: 17 March 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108767439.005
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Ways around the Problem
  • John R. Schneider, Calvin College, Michigan
  • Book: Animal Suffering and the Darwinian Problem of Evil
  • Online publication: 17 March 2020
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108767439.005
Available formats
×