Baruch Spinoza and The Problem of Evil and Suffering
Faculty Mentor
Terry MacMullan
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
5-7-2024 12:25 PM
End Date
5-7-2024 12:45 PM
Location
PAT 348
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Philosophy
Abstract
This research project explores the age-old philosophical notion of the Problem of Evil and Suffering and its contradicting reality concerning the Abrahamic religious doctrines. The research essay focuses on the fundamental inquiry- if evil and suffering occur in the universe, then how can there be certainty of an Abrahamic deity’s presence? Various arguments and critiques against traditional theistic beliefs are examined and highlight the ongoing debate between theists and atheists regarding the nature of an Abrahamic God and the occurrence of suffering in the world. This study identifies what specific requirements are needed in finding a co-existing argument to satisfy the Problem of Evil and Suffering, and the general ideologies of an Abrahamic God. This philosophic project proposes the philosopher Baruch Spinoza’s metaphysics and religious interpretation of God, as a possible argument to this theistic dilemma. Baruch Spinoza’s philosophy indicates evil and suffering arise not from divine intervention but as a natural consequence of the causal relations within the universe. Baruch Spinoza’s theology and metaphysics offer a compelling perspective that reframes the concept of God to reconcile with the duality of evil and suffering. This research project concludes by debating the implications of Spinoza’s theistic interpretation for individuals coming to terms with life’s uncertainties and suggests that embracing the natural order of the cosmos can provide comfort in the face of suffering’s existence.
Recommended Citation
Burdette, Sierra N., "Baruch Spinoza and The Problem of Evil and Suffering" (2024). 2024 Symposium. 9.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2024/op_2024/o6_2024/9
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Baruch Spinoza and The Problem of Evil and Suffering
PAT 348
This research project explores the age-old philosophical notion of the Problem of Evil and Suffering and its contradicting reality concerning the Abrahamic religious doctrines. The research essay focuses on the fundamental inquiry- if evil and suffering occur in the universe, then how can there be certainty of an Abrahamic deity’s presence? Various arguments and critiques against traditional theistic beliefs are examined and highlight the ongoing debate between theists and atheists regarding the nature of an Abrahamic God and the occurrence of suffering in the world. This study identifies what specific requirements are needed in finding a co-existing argument to satisfy the Problem of Evil and Suffering, and the general ideologies of an Abrahamic God. This philosophic project proposes the philosopher Baruch Spinoza’s metaphysics and religious interpretation of God, as a possible argument to this theistic dilemma. Baruch Spinoza’s philosophy indicates evil and suffering arise not from divine intervention but as a natural consequence of the causal relations within the universe. Baruch Spinoza’s theology and metaphysics offer a compelling perspective that reframes the concept of God to reconcile with the duality of evil and suffering. This research project concludes by debating the implications of Spinoza’s theistic interpretation for individuals coming to terms with life’s uncertainties and suggests that embracing the natural order of the cosmos can provide comfort in the face of suffering’s existence.
