Dr. McCormick
Write a paper in which you:
1) Briefly state the problem of evil, being sensitive to the different aspects of the problem especially the differences between natural and moral evil.
2) Carefully explain and defend an argument that gives what you consider to be the best solution to the problem of evil—you may focus on one kind of evil, or one particular aspect of one of the responses we have read and discussed.
3) State and explain a minimum of 2 objections to your view presented in 2), and
4) Respond to the objections to your view stated in 3).
Your introductory paragraph should give the brief statement of the problem required in 1) and then briefly state what you will do in the sections that address 2), 3), and 4). The next section of your paper that addresses 2) will be the largest, and most important portion of the paper, with sections addressing 3) and 4) following it.
Your argument must take into consideration the responses to the problem of evil included in our readings, but it does not need to be confined to them. You should not disregard the important points made in the text particularly if they are about an point you are making. Your paper may address natural evil only, moral evil only, or both (tackling both is probably too much for a paper of this length). Do not argue that there is no solution. There are several obvious and famous solutions (and objections) that your reading and reflecting on the topic should reveal. Hasty, flippant, or unreflective answers will not adequately address the assignment. Your focus throughout should be on the compatibility or incompatibility of God and evil. Broad discussions of the nature of good or good and evil are off topic.
Once you have presented and carefully explained your solution to the problem, consider at least two objections to it. Devote at least a paragraph to stating and explaining each objection. Your position will be more sophisticated and stronger if you consider and can respond to substantial criticisms, rather than weak ones. After you have stated the objections, give your rebuttal to them. Use your response to the objections as an opportunity to strengthen your position and make it clearer.
Develop your ideas, sentences, and paragraphs carefully so that your audience can clearly follow the argument you are making. Show that you understand the subtleties and important distinctions regarding the problem.
Papers must conform to the Philosophy Department Writing Guidelines.
The paper should be typed, double-spaced, and 3 pages long (at least). You may make it longer, but be concise. Papers with spelling, grammar, or structure errors will not be accepted.
An obvious way to begin your paper is to start by stating, "The problem of evil arises from a set of claims that are all alleged to be true. These claims are: . . . " And your introduction should clearly state your thesis with some claims like, "In this paper I will argue that the problem of natural evil can be resolved if we understand the role that evil plays . . . . " or "The problem of evil can only be resolved by giving up one or some of the divine properties," or "The problem of moral evil is solved by the freewill defense," "The only reasonable way to solve the problem of evil is to conclude that there is no God," and so on.