Free will defense

Definition

The free will defense is a philosophical argument that seeks to reconcile the existence of evil with an omnipotent and benevolent God by asserting that free will is necessary for genuine love and moral choice. This defense suggests that God allows evil to exist as a consequence of granting humans the freedom to make choices, which is essential for authentic relationships with Him. Thus, the presence of evil is not a contradiction to God's nature but a byproduct of human autonomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The free will defense is often attributed to philosophers like Alvin Plantinga, who formulated it in response to the problem of evil.
2. This argument suggests that without free will, moral goodness would be meaningless, as it requires the ability to choose between good and evil.
3. According to the free will defense, God does not intervene to prevent evil because doing so would infringe upon human freedom.
4. The concept emphasizes that the potential for evil is a necessary component of a world where true love and moral responsibility can exist.
5. Critics argue that the free will defense does not account for natural evils, such as natural disasters, which occur independently of human choice.

Review Questions

• How does the free will defense provide a solution to the problem of evil in relation to God's nature?
  • The free will defense addresses the problem of evil by suggesting that God values human freedom so highly that He allows individuals to choose between good and evil. This perspective posits that genuine love and moral responsibility can only exist in a context where humans have the freedom to make their own choices. Therefore, while the existence of evil may seem contradictory to an omnibenevolent God, it can be seen as a necessary consequence of granting humans autonomy.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the free will defense in addressing both moral and natural evils.
  • One strength of the free will defense is its emphasis on human autonomy as vital for authentic relationships with God. It effectively explains moral evil as a result of free choices made by individuals. However, a significant weakness lies in its inability to account for natural evils, such as earthquakes or diseases, which occur independently of human actions. This raises questions about whether all forms of suffering can be justified solely by appealing to human freedom.
• Synthesize how the free will defense contributes to broader theological discussions about divine attributes and human responsibility.
  • The free will defense plays a crucial role in broader theological discussions by linking divine attributes, such as omnipotence and omnibenevolence, with human responsibility. It posits that God's allowance of evil stems from His commitment to preserving human freedom and moral choice. By framing the existence of evil within this context, theologians can better address how God's nature aligns with human experiences of suffering and moral dilemmas. Ultimately, this synthesis highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human agency, prompting deeper reflections on faith and morality.

Related terms

Theodicy: Theodicy is the branch of theology that defends God's goodness and omnipotence in the face of the existence of evil in the world.

Moral Evil: Moral evil refers to the suffering and wrongdoing that arise from human actions and choices, as opposed to natural evil, which is caused by natural events.

Omnipotence: Omnipotence is the quality of having unlimited power, often attributed to God, allowing Him to do anything that is logically possible.