vastuukysymyksen

Vastuukysymys, also known as the "problem of evil" or "theodicy," is a philosophical question that has been debated for centuries. It asks why a perfectly good and all-powerful God allows evil and suffering in the world. This question challenges the belief in a benevolent deity and raises doubts about the nature of God's omnipotence, omniscience, and goodness.

The problem of evil can be traced back to ancient philosophers such as Epicurus and Socrates, but it gained significant attention with the works of philosophers like Blaise Pascal and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Pascal argued that the existence of evil proves the existence of God, while Leibniz proposed that evil is necessary for the existence of good, as it provides a contrast that makes good more valuable.

Throughout history, various solutions have been proposed to address the problem of evil. Some philosophers, like Augustinus, have suggested that evil is a result of human free will. Others, like Immanuel Kant, have argued that evil is a necessary part of the moral universe. More recently, philosophers like William Alston have proposed that evil is a result of God's permissive will, allowing evil to occur without interfering.

Despite the numerous attempts to solve the problem of evil, it remains one of the most enduring and challenging questions in philosophy. It continues to inspire debate and discussion among theologians, philosophers, and scholars, highlighting the complexity of understanding the nature of God and the world.