Mackie: Problem of Evil, Essay Example

Mackie’s argument concerning the problem of evil is that despite it being claimed by theologians that God is both omnipotent and wholly good, the problem of evil is allowed to exist in the world. According to Mackie, evil is inconsistent with a belief in God because the three key factors, omnipotence, goodness, and the existence of evil cannot logically be true at the same time, although it is claimed that they are.

One claim that is discussed is that there can be no good without evil.  If God is to create something good, then there would have to be evil to go along with it, otherwise there would be no way to distinguish good form evil.  The problem with this argument comes down to a definition of omnipotence. Omnipotence should be thought of as something that can overcome logic, not something that succumbs to it.  Another is that free will is impossible without the possibility for evil.  If free will is considered a good thing, then the evil that comes along with the choices it presents should be thought of as necessary as well. The problem with this argument is that, if God is all powerful, then it should have been possible to provide beings with both free will as well as the disposition to exercise that free will towards the good.

I agree with Mackie’s position.  These three key factors that he has presented, omnipotence, goodness, and evil, do not seem to be logically possible at the same time.  The given solutions to this problem fall short in solving the issue.  I feel as though they attempt to make compromises on claims that were made and that now are not being recalled.