The Problem of Evil,summarize the evidential argument form evil and distinguish it from the logical argument from evil. Explain why even if the logical problem fails the evidential argument from evil poses a problem for the theist.

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The main argument we considered against the existence of God centers around the existence of evil. We discussed two different kinds of arguments from evil: the logical argument and the evidential argument. Your assignment is to evaluate the evidential argument from evil. You are allowed to defend the argument or object to it. Regardless of whether you defend or object you will be expected to:

a) summarize the evidential argument form evil and distinguish it from the logical argument from evil. Explain why even if the logical problem fails the evidential argument from evil poses a problem for the theist.

If you decide to defend the argument you will be expected to:

b) give a couple of possible objections that the theist could use (we will have discussed at least a couple in class and in the readings) and explain how they attempt to address the worry. 
c) Give responses to those objections and show why they are unsatisfactory.

If you decide to object to the argument you will be expected to:

b) give what you take to be the strongest objections to the argument
c) give two possible replies that the atheist might give
d) show why these replies are not satisfactory.

You will be graded on a number of features:

1) How well you articulate the arguments and objections.
2) How well you address those objections in your replies and/or in your replies to the replies.
3) Overall style of presentation.

You will NOT be graded on what side of the debate you fall on. Rather, you will be graded on how clear and well you defend your position is. Therefore it is important that you present the strongest arguments and objections. If you short-change the opposition your argument will not be strong and this will negatively affect your grade. If you are in doubt about whether the objections/responses are strong please come see me during office hours. This assignment is 15 % of your grade so take it seriously and don’t feel bad about seeing me. I want you to do well and love talking about these arguments so please stop by.

Format: 6-7pages (double-spaced). 12 Times New Roman Font. YOU MUST HAVE A COVER PAGE!!!!!! All identifying information should be on this page. Do not put your name on the main text of paper. The pages with the main text should not have any heading (page numbers are allowed) and they should use every available line on the page. Do not make extra spacing between paragraphs. Use standard margins. Basically, every paper should look identical. 5 points will be taken off if the format is not followed.

Also, you are allowed but not required to do further reading for this paper. If you decide to quote anyone please be sure to cite him/her (even if it is something from lecture) in a footnote. I don’t require any particular style of citation, just be consistent throughout the paper. If you fail to cite, you will be marked down.