Metaphysician Peter van Inwagen argues that philosophy cannot definitively answer any philosophical question. Examples include questions concerning free will/determinism or whether dualism or physicalism is true. van Inwagen thinks that no definitive answer is available for "substantive" philosophical question. Philosophy also cannot supply a conclusive answer to the problem of evil.
2007-02-24 11:09:11 · 7 answers · asked by sokrates 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The (logical) problem of evil is that
1) God is omnipotent
2) God is good
3) Evil exists
Philosophers make a distinction between natural and moral evil or between global/local evil. Defining "evil" is difficult. The western tradition has tended to follow Augustine and Plotinus, who define "evil" as a privation of the good. Others say that evil is a positive thing, something that is substantial and not an absence. The point is that philosophy cannot resolve the argument between theists and atheists regarding evil existing along with a good God existing.
2007-02-24 11:24:48 · update #1
It seems that philosophy can never offer a definitive answer to any "substantive" question. One philosopher (Plato) offers an answer to a perplexing question, but it does not completely satisfy, even if it holds sway for a time. Then another philosopher (Aristotle) argues that the answer given by our first philosopher is inadequate; and the beat goes on. Philosophy is comprised of many dissonant voices and contradictory answers. There is no finality in philosophy. No one ever really wins, no matter how compelling his/her argument. This position sums up the history of philosophy. Every argument posited has been a failure, in some sense of the word.
2007-02-24 13:32:32 · update #2
Our existence is based upon pairs that are corresponding or complementary in position, function, or nature; Man and Woman, good and bad, right and wrong, it is in the middle of these extremes which we live our everyday lives. This is the basis with which PVI rests his case.
2007-02-24 11:55:32 · answer #1 · answered by Ben R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The thing that's interesting about Philosophy is that it really doesn't give finite answers. It's not like you see a red car and have to think real hard if it's red....it's RED.
Philosophy tries to come up with answers through logical thought. Logic in itself could prove something if you follow those particular guidelines, but whether they become overwhelming truth is up to the reader.
AS far as evil goes.....what form of evil do you mean? I'm sure you could come up with a hundred forms of evil, but when you put these in front of someone else, they might disagree with some of them. It's purely a personal outlook on what evil is....which is why we have a problem "curing " evil to begin with
2007-02-24 19:19:13 · answer #2 · answered by phillyvic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find it ironic that in the problem of evil you immediately bring god into the picture.
I say you are correct about some things but philo can definitely answer some of these questions, it just is a matter of how people accept the various theories.
The actual answer is that human life has no value or meaning at all. All human accomplshiment has the value of the life of one flea.
2007-02-24 20:22:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
philosophy can answer it, but it requires hands on practice.
If you ask 'what is the meaning of life' I could tell you it's happiness, God, 42, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you look into and uncover the truth of my answer for yourself. The problem is that the true meaning of life (God, soul, love, etc) is indescribeable, meaning no words can describe it.
I think Mr. Van Inwagen is caught up in semantics and is not letting his heart catch up to his head.
2007-02-24 19:23:49 · answer #4 · answered by Julian 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
correct. The only place I could find and get real answers to these type of questions were from the Bible. There is an answer to most anything U can think of which has anything to do with life and the living of it.
Maybe there is something to it after all. ??
2007-02-24 19:21:15 · answer #5 · answered by having fun 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
philosophy can not , because it to is a framework for reference. yet, it is to the individual a tool for pondering the hidden motive of ones own demise that lies within, and how to stop thine own heart and mind from deception. can you reason with yourself to live longer than the time of life given to you to live, can you distort the facts when your soul and mind already know where they are headed for,
2007-02-24 19:18:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only as far as words and syntax will allow.
2007-02-24 19:44:02 · answer #7 · answered by Sophist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋