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

question 11

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 identifies himself as "an unfriendly atheist."

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Definitions:

Absolute Advantage

A condition in which a country, individual, or company can produce a good or service at a lower cost per unit than other competitors.

Domestic Advantage

The benefit or edge that a country or company holds over others in the domestic market, often due to localization, resources, or specialization.