In this session we consider natural a-theology: arguments that no rational person should believe that a god exists. In particular, we will focus on the Problem of Evil. To guide our thinking, we’ll consider one of the most important meditations on evil in the history of literature: Ivan Karamazov’s “Rebellion” speech in Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov.
Read This:
Dostoevsky’s “Rebellion”: Reject God
Key Concepts:
- Problem of Evil
- Natural vs. moral evil
- Free will defense
- Soul-making defense
- Skeptical theism
Have questions or thoughts about the reading? Post them on PollEverywhere, and upvote any classmates’ responses that you’d like to cover in class. We’ll address the most upvoted responses during the Q&A part of class.
Do This:
- Complete the first section of your Apology essay by November 10.
- If you would like to apply for the GGL Fellows Program, the application is due November 8. (Decisions will be released by November 26.)
Pre-Class Questions
Your responses to the following questions are due on Canvas before class. Your top 15 scores of the semester will count toward your final grade.
- What do you think is the strongest response to the Problem of Evil, as it is presented in the reading? Identify the premise you think is most likely to be false and explain why.
- Apart from the problem of evil, what is the strongest argument you can think of against the existence of God? (Even if you’re a believer, what’s the best case you can imagine an atheist making?) Your answer can be in paragraph form, premise/conclusion form, or in the form of an argument map – just make sure the reasoning is presented as clearly as possible.
Living the Good Life
Reflections addressing prompts from the Religion unit (“Take A Leap Of Faith” through “There Is No God”) are due on Canvas by 11:59pm on November 16. You may write up to two “Living the Good Life” reflections in the first half of the semester and up to two in the second half of the semester. You can also revise and resubmit one reflection for a new grade, within one week after your grade is posted. Your top three scores will count toward your final grade.
Imagine you are in a debate against Ivan Karamazov over the existence of God. He has just delivered the speech we read for class as his opening statement. Write a rebuttal to his speech, in which you give the strongest response you can to his main argument, while acknowledging and explaining any significant points where you agree with him.
