John Perry--author of the acclaimed Dialogue on Personal Identity and Immortality (Hackett Publishing Co., 1978)--revisits Gretchen Weirob in this lively and absorbing dialogue on good, evil, and the existence of God. In the early part of the work, Gretchen and her friends consider whether evil provides a problem for those who believe in the perfection of God. As the discussion continues they consider the nature of human evil—whether, for example, fully rational actions can be intentionally evil. Recurring themes are the distinction between natural evil and evil done by free agents, and the problems the Holocaust and other cases of genocide pose for conceptions of the universe as a basically good place, or humans as basically good beings. Once again, Perry’s ability to get at the heart of matters combines with his exemplary skill at writing the dialogue form. An ideal volume for introducing students to the subtleties and intricacies of philosophical discussion.
- Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.; September 1999
- ISBN: 9781603846875
- Read online, or download in secure PDF or secure ePub format
- Title: Dialogue on Good, Evil, and the Existence of God
- Series: Hackett Philosophical Dialogues
- Author: John Perry
- Imprint: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
Editor's Note: There has been rising interest in the 'problem of evil' in our comment. Atheists advance a similar argument from evil against the existence of God. The existence of God and the existence of evils that serve no greater good (i.e. And compassionately engage pro-choice advocates in genuine dialogue. Jan 16, 2018 - Book Review: Dialogue on Good, Evil, and the Existence of God (2000) Book Review: John Perry. Indianapolis: Hackett. In 1978, philosopher.
Subject categories
- Religion > Devotional
- Philosophy > Ethics
- Philosophy > Ethics & Moral Philosophy
- Religion > Christianity > Pastoral Ministry
- Philosophy > Philosophical logic
- Religion > Theology
ISBNs
- 1603846875
- 9780872204607
- 9781603846875
- 9781624664182
In The Press
Perry's work is an engaging, highly readable introduction to the problem of natural and moral evil with respect to belief in an omniscient, omnipotent, and morally perfect God. This dialogue would work well as a supplement in either an introduction to philosophy or philosophy of religion course. . . . Perry is to be commended for taking a very difficult subject and making it accessible to a more general audience. --Jeff Wisdom, Biola University
About The Author
John Perry is Professor of Philosophy, Stanford University.