In This Selection, Rowe Presents His Own Version of the Argument

question 4

True/False

In this selection, Rowe presents his own version of the argument from evil:
1. There exist instances of intense suffering which an omnipotent, omniscient being could have prevented without thereby losing some greater good or permitting some evil equally bad or worse.
2. An omniscient, wholly good being would prevent the occurrence of any intense suffering it could, unless it could not do so without thereby losing some greater good or permitting some evil equally bad or worse.
3. [Therefore] there does not exist an omnipotent, omniscient, wholly good being.
Concerning premise 2, Rowe declares, "In light of our experience and knowledge of the variety and scale of human and animal suffering in our world, the idea that none of this suffering could have been prevented by an omnipotent being without thereby losing a greater good or permitting an evil at least as bad seems an extraordinary absurd idea, quite beyond our belief."
-Rowe acknowledges that the case of the fawn's apparently pointless suffering does not prove that premise 1 of his argument is true.

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Definitions:

Hopelessness

A feeling or state of despair, often resulting from prolonged suffering or when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Higher Power

A spiritual presence or entity believed to have greater power and influence over human affairs.

Religious Services

Formalized periods of communal worship and practices observed within various faith traditions.

Life Goals

Objectives or aims that a person seeks to achieve over the course of their life, covering personal, professional, and health ambitions.