Introducing one of the most intriguing and intellectually stimulating optional subjects for the UPSC Mains examination: Philosophy. In the competitive world of civil services, where candidates strive to distinguish themselves through unique subject choices, Philosophy stands as a beacon of philosophical inquiry and critical thinking. In this series, we’ll delve into the realm of Philosophy optional topics, focusing on the Problem of Evil, as reflected in previous year questions spanning from 2013 to 2023. The Problem of Evil is a timeless philosophical puzzle that explores the existence of evil in a world purportedly created or overseen by an all-powerful and benevolent deity. It poses profound questions about ethics, theology, and the nature of reality. Join us on this intellectual journey as we explore the nuanced, thought-provoking questions that the UPSC has asked in recent years, and gain insight into how the study of Philosophy can deepen your understanding of the world and enhance your exam performance.
As we explore this engaging topic, we’ll decipher the evolution of philosophical thought over the past decade, discovering how the Problem of Evil has remained a persistent challenge for philosophers and theologians alike. It’s not just a subject for intellectual curiosity; it’s a subject that brings into focus the timeless struggle of human beings to reconcile the existence of suffering and malevolence with a belief in a benevolent higher power. By examining the UPSC’s previous year questions on this topic, we will gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and dimensions of this philosophical dilemma. Whether you’re a Philosophy enthusiast, an aspiring civil servant, or simply someone looking to engage with profound questions about the human condition, this exploration of the Problem of Evil in UPSC Mains promises to be an enlightening journey through the world of ideas and intellectual challenges.
Problem of Evil Philosophy – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains History Optional)
1. How do you define a non-theological concept of evil ? Explain(2017/10)
2. Is God the cause of natural evil? Explain.(2015/10)
3. Do you think that evil is a bitter pill which no theist can swallow?Discuss.(2015/15)
4. Is evil reconcilable with the benevolent God ?(2014/20)
5. Do theist succeed in explaining the natural evil in the world as a necessary counterpart to good ? (2013/10)
6. “God permitted suffering to discipline the human being.” (2012/12)
7. “The problem of evil arises when we attribute infinite knowledge, power and goodness to God acknowledging the fact of innocent persons’ suffering. One cannot be mistaken about one’s own experience and suffering is an experience. Hence, God cannot have at least one of the three attributes; infinite knowledge, power and goodness.” Evaluate this argument. 10/15
8. If evil and sufferings are the real experiences of individual self, what role do they play in realising self-transcendence? 09/20.
9. How can a theist resolve the problem of evil? Does evil not tell upon omnipotence and omniscience of God? Can God be thought of as imperfect and powerless in this regard? Discuss critically for and against the two possible opposite views and justify your own position. 08/60
10. “God permitted evil to exist in order to bring about greater good, Adam’s fall was felix culpa (happy sin).” – Leibnitz. Critical notes.07/20.
11. “The problem of evil is the problem of reconciling the imperfect world with the goodness of God.” Critical notes. 05/20
12. Describe the problem of evil. Some theo logicians utilise the free-will argument to resolve this problem. How? Discuss.
FAQs
Q: What is the Problem of Evil in philosophy of religion?
A: The Problem of Evil is a philosophical dilemma that questions the compatibility of the existence of evil and suffering with the belief in an all-powerful, benevolent, and omniscient deity. It raises fundamental questions about the nature of God and the human experience.
Q: What are the main types of the Problem of Evil?
A: There are two primary forms: the logical problem and the evidential problem. The logical problem of evil attempts to show that the existence of evil is logically incompatible with the existence of an all-good, all-powerful God. The evidential problem argues that while evil’s existence may not be logically incompatible with God’s existence, it provides strong evidence against it.
Q: How have philosophers and theologians attempted to address the Problem of Evil?
A: Over centuries, thinkers have proposed various theodicies and responses to reconcile the existence of evil with belief in God. These include free will defenses, soul-making theodicies, and the idea that suffering has a greater purpose or is beyond human comprehension.
Q: What are the implications of the Problem of Evil for religious beliefs?
A: The Problem of Evil has profound implications for religious faith. It can challenge one’s belief in an all-loving and all-powerful God and lead to theological and existential crises. It has driven individuals to reconsider or modify their religious beliefs.
Q: Is the Problem of Evil a purely academic question, or does it have real-world significance?
A: While the Problem of Evil is a philosophical inquiry, it has real-world significance. It raises questions about morality, theodicy, and our response to suffering and injustice. It’s a topic that extends beyond academia and can impact ethical and religious discussions in society.
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