William L. Rowe was a prominent philosopher who made significant contributions to the problem of evil and theodicy. Rowe’s work on the problem of evil offers a unique perspective that challenges traditional conceptions of God’s attributes and the compatibility of the existence of evil with a perfectly good and all-powerful God. In this essay, we will examine Rowe’s views on the problem of evil, his argument from gratuitous evil, and his critique of traditional theodicies.
Rowe’s approach to the problem of evil begins with the acknowledgment of the existence of gratuitous or excessive evil. He defines gratuitous evil as intense suffering or harm that appears to have no justifiable reason or greater good. Rowe argues that the existence of gratuitous evil poses a significant challenge to the notion of a perfectly good and all-powerful God.
Central to Rowe’s argument is the evidential problem of evil, which focuses on the presence of gratuitous evil as evidence against the existence of a benevolent and omnipotent God. Rowe contends that the existence of such intense and seemingly purposeless suffering raises serious doubts about the traditional conception of God’s attributes.
Rowe presents the evidential argument from evil, which suggests that the existence of gratuitous evil makes the existence of God unlikely. He argues that if God exists, He would prevent or eliminate gratuitous evil, given His perfect goodness and all-powerfulness. Since gratuitous evil does exist, Rowe concludes that the most reasonable inference is that God does not exist or that His attributes are significantly different from what traditional theism posits.
Moreover, Rowe challenges traditional theodicies that attempt to reconcile the existence of evil with the attributes of God. He critiques the idea that evil is necessary for the greater good or that it is a result of human free will. Rowe argues that these explanations fail to account for gratuitous evil, which seems unnecessary for the development of moral agency or the achievement of greater goods.
Rowe’s argument is rooted in the observation of specific instances of intense suffering and harm that lack any apparent justifiable reason. He provides examples of innocent children suffering from painful diseases or natural disasters that result in immense destruction and loss of life. Rowe contends that these instances of gratuitous evil provide strong empirical evidence against the existence of a perfectly good and all-powerful God.
Critics of Rowe’s argument have raised objections to various aspects of his perspective. Some argue that Rowe’s focus on the existence of gratuitous evil neglects the possibility that there may be unknown or hidden reasons for suffering. They contend that our limited perspective and finite knowledge prevent us from fully comprehending the ultimate purposes or reasons behind certain instances of evil.
Others question the logical coherence of Rowe’s argument, particularly in relation to the nature of God’s attributes. They argue that Rowe’s argument assumes a specific definition of God’s attributes that may not align with other conceptions of God. Critics suggest that different interpretations of God’s attributes, such as a God who allows for significant human freedom, may provide alternative explanations for the existence of evil.
Despite these objections, Rowe’s contributions to the problem of evil have had a significant impact on philosophical and theological discourse. His argument from gratuitous evil challenges traditional conceptions of God’s attributes and presents a powerful case against the existence of a perfectly good and all-powerful God. Rowe’s emphasis on the evidential problem of evil and the presence of gratuitous suffering continues to shape and inform the ongoing dialogue surrounding the problem of evil and theodicy.
In conclusion, William L. Rowe’s work on the problem of evil has offered a thought-provoking perspective that challenges traditional understandings of God’s attributes and the compatibility of evil with a perfectly good and all-powerful God. His argument from gratuitous evil highlights the existence of intense suffering that appears to lack any justifiable reason. While objections persist, Rowe’s contributions continue to spark debate and contribute to our understanding of the profound philosophical and theological challenge posed by the problem of evil.