1. The assignment
In his article, “The argument from evil”, (pp. 29-36 in textbook) Peter van Inwagen responds to the problem from evil. He explains the free will defense as a response to the problem and the apparent limitations of that defense. He then goes on to develop his own version of the free will defense.
Two standard objections to the free will defense are that (i) the positive value of free will is not worth the negative value of the evil in the world and (ii) much evil doesn’t come from free will at all, but rather from natural events like hurricanes and disease.
Write an essay in which you (1) explain van Inwagen’s version of the free will defense, (2) explain how it is supposed to address the two standard objections, and (3) critically evaluate whether he succeeds in offering an adequate defense. In critically evaluating his account, you are addressing the question: Is his free will defense a satisfactory reply to the objections to the standard objections? Why or why not?
Here is an outline to follow.
1. An introductory paragraph in which you tell your readers what your paper is about. This should be short—1-3 sentences recommended.
2. A brief explanation of the Problem of Evil.
3. A presentation of the distinction between theodicy and defense, and an explanation of the free will defense.
4. A description of the two standard problems (described above).
5. A more detailed explanation of van Inwagen’s version of the free will defense, focused on the features of the defense that are supposed to address the standard objections.
6. Your evaluation of van Inwagen’s defense. Is his free will defense a satisfactory? Why or why not? Note that it is very important that you give reasons for your view. It isn’t enough just to say whether you agree or disagree. You need to give reasons or arguments to support your view.
2. Comments
Your essay will be graded on a scale from 1-10 and will based on: (1) grammar, (2) clarity and organization, (3) accuracy with respect to items 2-5, and (4) quality of response to item 6.
3. Details
Length: 2000 words.
Due Date: [NOTE that these dates are slightly later than the dates posted in the original syllabus]
If you want to revise your paper before final submission, the draft paper must be submitted on March 11th.
Whether or not you provide a draft, the final paper is due April 15th.
All papers are to be submitted electronically through D2L. A folder will be available under the “Dropbox” tab, where you can upload your paper.
