In This Scene from Dostoevsky's the Brothers Karamazov, Ivan Karamazov

question 14

True/False

In this scene from Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, Ivan Karamazov explains to his pious younger brother, Alyosha, a Christian monk, why he cannot accept God. Ivan's impediment to full devotion to God is the problem of evil. He declares that there is untold, unfathomable suffering in the world-suffering such as that of a little child who is tortured, mutilated, and murdered by a ruthless general for no reason. God allows this suffering, but no adequate justification or explanation can be given why God would permit such evil.
-The existence of necessary evil is proof that God does not exist.

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Definitions:

Hypocotyl

The part of the axis of a plant embryo or seedling below the point of attachment of the cotyledons.

Radicle

The embryonic root of a plant, which is the first part to emerge from a germinating seed, enabling the seedling to anchor to the soil and absorb water.

Cotyledons

The first leaves that appear from a germinating seed, essential for photosynthesis and nutrient storage during early plant development.

Nicotine

An addictive substance found in tobacco, acting as a stimulant in low doses and a relaxant in higher doses, affecting the nervous system.