Soul-building evils are meant to force human beings to live through adversity and in turn strengthen our characters (Sober, pg. 111). Another criticism that exists to this second premise is called defense, which attempts to explain how evil can exist logically, given the existence of God (an all-PKG God) (“The Problem of Evil”). However, defense does not presuppose the existence of God or the existence of evil. If God and evil can
Evil is simply the lack of good. Which ties into the next issue Augustine addresses; that god allows us to choose evil, while he can prevent us from doing so, given that he's all-powerful. Augustine argues that god knows what is going to happen, yet he isn’t the cause of it. We as humans have free will, and god knows what would happen if they make choices using their wills. Augustines concepts and views really interest me and I have taken to checking out books from the public library to read about his views.
Dr. von Koenigswald is a “bad scientist,” who represents the hybrid between science and religion. The value of religion enhances lives more effective than science does. In order to represent Vonnegut’s view on science, Felix Hoenikker characterizes all the corruption science causes worldwide. Felix is the father of three unstable children, the atomic bomb, and ice-nine. His inventions, along with his children, lead to the destruction of the human race.
Comparing Ideologies Human Nature Although linked by the same discussion, each philosopher represented his own distinct Ideology. The debate of man’s innate logical character, is philosophy’s bloodiest battleground. The article offers a basic perception of the ideologies pertaining to renowned philosophers; (Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke) Hobbes represents the cynical, dark view of human nature. Hobbes suggests humans are born with both passions and reason; our passions cause war and conflict, and our desire for better life persuades us to seek peace. He feels that our instinctive character is to be selfish, only caring of those pertaining to us.
Mackie’s Understanding of the Problem of Evil In this paper I will discuss Mackie’s understanding of evil and the existence of God as it applies in the context of standard theism. Mackie’s understanding of evil is illustrated most clearly by the incompatible triad which follows that; God is omnipotent, God is wholly good, but evil (unnecessary suffering) exists in the world. He finds that all of the premises can’t be true, yet each is essential to standard theism. Mackie also debates the different arguments made by theists to defend the existence of God in the presence of evil. The problem of evil in the context of standard theism is that the three necessary premises surrounding the existence of God present a paradox that disproves either the omnipotence or wholly goodness of that being with the existence of evil.
The texts Blade Runner by Ridley Scott and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, accentuate the notion that humanity’s moral constructs are the cornerstone to having a sense of humanity, and assert the centrality of humanity’s integral connection with the natural world. The notions have been heavily inspired by contexts of scientific discovery, philosophical thought, religious doubt and industrial advancement. Shelley’s novel is a reaction to the rationalization of the enlightenment movement and the Industrial revolution’s scientific abuse of nature. The consequence of one’s desire for power over the natural and moral constructs is best represented in Frankenstein through the corruption of the protagonist, Victor. Intrinsically, Victor’s inability to neither comprehend his responsibility, nor feel compassion for the pain he has caused abets his corruption.
However, if he were to be all three of these things, then why does he allow evil to occur? There are two kinds of evil in the world: moral and natural. Moral evils, by definition, are those evils that are freely inflicted upon humankind by humankind. Moral evils include deceit, murder, and theft. The main argument against the existence of God comes from the belief that God would not allow moral evil to occur.
Dr. Jekyll struggles to keep his positive appearance as a well liked man, but as we meet Mr. Hyde, we see the foolishly selfish behaviors. In Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Henry Jekyll states “that man is not truly one, but truly two,” meaning that in every man, is in fact, two different people. Jekyll and Hyde’s contrasting personalities, their thoughts after the Carew murder case and Jekyll’s confession show that Mr. Hyde was unleashed by Dr. Jekyll; they are indeed the same person. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the two main characters of the novel are physically two different people, but mentally one person. Dr. Jekyll was known as a well respected man who was morally good.
In pursuing his scientific experiments and validating his work, Jekyll claims, "man is not truly one, but truly two." Thus, in Jekyll's view, every soul contains elements of both good and evil, but one is always dominant. In Jekyll's case, his good side is dominant, but he knows there is evil inside of him. However, as a respectable member of society and an honorable Victorian gentleman, Jekyll cannot fulfill his evil desires. Thus, he works to develop a way to separate the two parts of his soul and free his evil characteristics.
I would have chosen to do this crime and I should be held responsible. The Traditional View of Human Nature is similar to the romantic view regarding good vs. evil except it’s not fashionable but more widely-held. The vision of Dr. Jekyll was to create a race of angels (human beings) with a desire to only do good. According to the reading his experiment failed and the small spot in his soul grew and grew until he was completely possessed. Jekyll was pure evil and in return became the infamous Mr. Hyde.