Description
Book SynopsisA clearly written and up-to-date textbook on the profound question of how God can exist simultaneously with evil. It introduces the fundamental issues of philosophical thinking for the beginner student, while at the same time clarifying and the answering deeper philosophical questions of interest to a more advanced readership.
Trade Review“O’Connor’s book is written as an introduction to the topic, and is therefore easily readable.” (The Heythrop Journal, 5 December 2014)
“O’Connor’s book ranks with the very best of the many introductions to the philosophy of religion that have been published over the past several decades. His selection and discussion of two main topics, the problem of evil, and the apparent design of the universe, convey especially well the importance of the question of God’s existence.” Quentin Smith, Western Michigan University
“This is a very clear and unusually objective examination of the problem of evil and its interface with the design argument. For those tired of theistic or atheistic apologetics masquerading as philosophy of religion, this book is highly recommended.” Paul Draper, Purdue University
“David O'Connor's God, Evil, and Design is a remarkably accessible opinionated introduction to the issues. His critique of skepticism about arguments from evil will be of interest to professionals as well. Highly recommended.” Daniel Howard-Snyder, Western Washington University
"It is aimed at the beginner, but is also of interest to more advanced readers." Times Higher Education Supplement
Table of ContentsPreface.
Part I: Introduction:.
1. What We Are Going to Investigate and How.
2. Terminology.
Part II: The Logic of God and Evil:.
3. Is the Existence of God Impossible?.
4. A Free-Will Defense of the Possibility that God Exists.
Part III: Design and Evil:.
5. Natural Order, Natural Selection, and Supernatural Design (1).
6. Natural Order, Natural Selection, and Supernatural Design (2).
Part IV: Evil and Design (1):.
7. Is the Existence of God Improbable?.
8. Skeptical Defenses.
9. Evaluating Skeptical Defenses.
Part V: Evil and Design (2).
10. Greater-Good Defenses.
11. Evaluating Greater-Good Defenses.
Part VI: Taking Stock:.
12. Taking Stock.
Index
