Parker's Pensées Ep. 273 - The Problem of Evil for Atheism, Multiversal Pantheism, and Theism w/Dr. Yujin Nagasawa
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Sep 8, 2025 Dr. Yujin Nagasawa, a philosophy professor and author of 'The Problem of Evil for Atheists,' delves into the intricate challenges posed by the problem of evil across different belief systems. He introduces groundbreaking ideas specific to atheists and multiverse pantheism, critiquing traditional views and exploring new frameworks. The conversation navigates the tension between an all-loving God and the existence of suffering, while prompting both atheists and theists to rethink their understanding of morality, existence, and the nature of suffering.
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Three-Variable Framework For Evil
- The problem of evil is framed as three variables: God, evil, and their relationship, allowing many reformulations.
- Changing any variable (e.g., God to optimism) produces novel problems across worldviews.
Axiological vs Deontological Evil
- Distinguish axiological evil (world's overall goodness) from deontological evil (what a moral agent ought to do).
- Focusing on axiological evil lets the problem target atheists and non-theists too.
Expectation Mismatch Is Universal
- Axiological expectation mismatch arises when beliefs (theistic or non-theistic) predict a good world but observation shows pervasive suffering.
- This mismatch generates problems of evil for theists, pantheists, axiarchists, and optimist atheists alike.
