THE PROBLEM OF EVIL
PHI 3750 – 0001
SPRING 2009
Tuesday & Thursday
9:00 AM – 10: 15 AM
Dr. Nam T. Nguyen
(407) 823-5414
nnguyen@mail.UCF.edu
Website: pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~nnguyen
Office Hours: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (T&R)
Philosophy Department (Psychology Building)
Second Floor, # 238
Course Description and Objective
The underlying objective of this course is to help students to gain an understanding of
the so-called “problem of evil.” The Problem of Evil is a philosophy, religion, theology,
and literature oriented course examining the traditional problem of evil ranging from the
contention that evil does not exist to attempts to reconcile evil with the goodness of God
(theodicy). Specific examination of the problem of evil from the distinction between
natural evil and moral evil will constitute a significant portion of coursework. At the
close of the course, one will have a solid background in the philosophical aspects of the
problem of evil and will be able to consider the problem from variety of points of view.
Texts
1.
2.
3.
4.
Amélie Oksenberg Rorty, ed., The Many Faces of Evil, Routledge, 2001
John Hick, Evil and The God of Love, 2nd edition, MacMillan, 2007
Stephen T. Davis, ed., Encountering Evil, Westminster John Knox, 2001
Michael Peterson, ed., The Problem of Evil: Selected Readings, University of
Notre Dame, 1992
Course Requirements
1. Two Exams (200 points).
2. Final Exam (150 points).
All questions will include short-answer definitions and essay questions. All exams
will be based on lectures, class discussions, and assigned readings.
3. A Five-Page Essay Paper (100 points).
a. In addition to five pages, a Works Cited page must be included. Minimum sources:
five. The paper must be word-processed; double-spaced; one-inch margins; 12 pt.
font. Plagiarism, whether intentional or not, will result in loss of points. Grammar,
spelling, and clarity will be considered on the grade along with content.
b. The essay paper is due no later than the assigned date. Late paper will be
automatically deducted 50 points.
c. The student must discuss his/her essay topic with the instructor. Without the
instructor’s approval of the topic, the student’s paper will NOT be graded.
4. Any conflict with the exam’s scheduled date must be addressed prior to exam date.
5. Missed exams cannot be made up – except for serious illnesses (requiring a formal
doctor’s excuse) or emergencies (documentation must be given).
Grading
Exams, essay paper, and final exam will be graded on a numerical scale. The student’s final
grade will be based on the cumulative total of points.
A = 405 – 450
B = 360 – 404
C = 315 – 359
D = 270 – 314
F=
– 269
Withdrawal
My goal is that every student successfully completes this course; however, if you cannot meet
the requirements and challenges of this course, it is necessary that you withdraw from the course.
Students who discontinue attendance and assignments and do not withdraw will receive an F for
the course.
Note
At the instructor’s discretion, during the course of the semester this syllabus may be subject to
change. Students are responsible for informing themselves of changes announced in class.
READING ASSIGNMENTS
Jan. 8
Jan. 13
Jan. 15
Jan. 20
Jan. 22
Jan. 27
Jan. 29
Feb. 3
Feb. 5
Feb. 10
Feb. 12
Feb. 17
Feb. 19
Feb. 24
Feb. 26
Mar. 3
Mar. 5
Mar. 10
Mar. 17
Mar. 19
Mar. 24
Mar. 26
Mar. 31
Apr. 2
Apr. 7
Apr. 9
Apr. 14
Apr. 16
Apr. 21
Apr. 23
Apr. 28
Introduction to the course
The Many Faces of Evil: 8-12; 43-53; 84-92
100-105; 118-122; 126-132; 137-144
145-150; 161-164; 168-171; 172-178
179-187; 216-217; 218-221; 241-247
253-264; 265-268; 282-287; 295-302
The Problem of Evil: 31-56; 79-86
89 -101; 135-152
Exam # 1
169-187; Marilyn McCord’s “The Problem of
Hell: A Problem of Evil for Christians” (website)
191-214
275-288; Leibniz’s “Theodicy” (website)
303-338
Evil and the God of Love: 3-43
43-89
90-126
Exam # 2
NO CLASS (Spring Break)
126-168
169-215
215- 261
Essay Paper due. 262-309
309-364
Encountering Evil: 1-37
38-72
73- 107
108-144
145-180
181-209
Final Exam Review
Final Exam (7:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.)