The Problem Of Evil and Thomas Aquinas’s Philosophy

Philosophy offers profound insights that can guide individuals in living a more meaningful and purposeful life. However, the vast amount of information available often leaves learners feeling overwhelmed. By returning to foundational ideas, such as the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas and the concept of the problem of evil, we can gain clarity and a deeper understanding. These concepts hold significant value in shaping how we apply philosophy to our daily lives. This article will examine the teachings of Thomas Aquinas, explore the problem of evil, and discuss their relevance to the philosophical pursuit of a meaningful existence.

Key features of Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian whose ideas have had a lasting impact on Western thought. One of his central philosophies is the integration of faith and reason. Aquinas believed that while faith reveals divine truths beyond human comprehension, reason and logical thinking can help us understand the natural world and uncover truths about God. He emphasized that these two realms do not contradict each other but rather complement one another.

Aquinas is also well-known for his “Five Ways,” arguments for the existence of God. These include concepts like the “Unmoved Mover,” which suggests that everything in motion must have been set in motion by something else, ultimately leading to a first mover—God. Similarly, he spoke of a “Necessary Being,” arguing that since everything in the universe depends on something else for its existence, there must be a being that exists on its own—again pointing to God.

Another key aspect of Aquinas’s philosophy is his belief in natural law, a system of moral principles derived from human nature and reason. He argued that humans have a natural inclination to do good and seek truth. This formed the foundation for his ideas about ethics and how people can live virtuous lives that align with both reason and divine will.

Overall, Aquinas’s work bridges theology and philosophy, offering insights into morality, existence, and the role of reason in understanding the divine.

What is the problem of evil?

Thomas Aquinas tackled the problem of evil by emphasizing the relationship between God, good, and evil. He argued that evil is not a substance or a thing that exists independently; instead, it is the absence or privation of good. According to Aquinas, everything created by God is inherently good because God is the ultimate source of all goodness. Evil arises not as something created by God but as a distortion or lack of the good that ought to be present.

Aquinas believed that God’s creation is ordered and purposeful, meaning that even though evil exists, it doesn’t contradict the goodness of God. He explained that God allows evil to occur so that greater good can come from it. This does not mean God is the author of evil but that He permits it within His greater plan for the universe.

For Aquinas, free will also played a key role in understanding evil. Humans have the ability to make choices, and sometimes they choose actions that deviate from what is good. These choices contribute to the presence of evil in the world, but they do not undermine God’s ultimate power or purpose. Aquinas viewed evil as a challenge to humanity but one that fits into God’s overall design, where good ultimately triumphs.

This example helps to demonstrate this philosophical perspective. Thomas Aquinas considered that the problem of evil could be approached through understanding God’s ultimate purpose. For instance, he discussed how suffering or evil might lead to greater goods or higher purposes that are beyond human understanding. Imagine a farmer burning his fields to remove harmful weeds and pests; at first, the destruction might appear harmful, but the act ultimately results in more fertile land for future growth. Similarly, Aquinas believed the existence of evil serves as a part of God’s plan to bring about a greater good that humans may not immediately comprehend. By comparing life’s adversities to such analogies, he emphasized trusting in a wisdom beyond what we can see or grasp. This approach reflects his alignment with the idea that perceived flaws or hardships in the world can fit into a divine, purposeful design.

Challenges to Thomas Aquinas’s view about the problem of evil

Some philosophers object to or reject Thomas Aquinas’s views on the problem of evil for various reasons, focusing on central challenges and alternative perspectives. One common objection is rooted in the idea that explanations of evil that rely on divine reasoning or purpose can trivialize the profound suffering experienced by individuals. Critics argue that this approach oversimplifies the emotional and moral weight of human pain and tragedy, failing to provide a satisfying answer to why a benevolent and omnipotent God would permit such suffering. They believe any justification that assigns a larger purpose to evil may neglect the immediate and visceral harm it causes.

Another concern philosophers raise is that any explanation which reconciles evil with the existence of God risks undermining the concept of an all-good deity. For some, the very presence of atrocities and injustice in the world appears irreconcilable with the idea of divine omnibenevolence. These critics often lean toward the argument that evil reflects either a limitation of divine capability or an absence of divine intervention, which stands at odds with traditional theological claims about God’s nature.

Additionally, certain philosophers argue that approaches to the problem of evil which attempt to frame suffering as necessary for the greater good fail to account for instances of apparently gratuitous or purposeless evils. Events such as natural disasters or widespread tragedies, particularly those impacting innocent individuals such as children, challenge the notion that all suffering has a higher purpose. This perspective has led critics to question whether attributing such events to divine will or intention provides an adequate or compassionate explanation.

Finally, secular philosophers often reject arguments about the problem of evil that depend on the assumption of God’s existence. They assert that evil can be more effectively explained through natural or human causes, rather than invoking metaphysical or theological explanations. This viewpoint shifts the question from a divine framework to one based in human responsibility and the natural workings of the world, sidestepping the need to reconcile evil with the presence of a deity.

For these reasons, some philosophers remain unsatisfied with Aquinas’s understanding of the problem of evil, seeking alternative ways to interpret and address this enduring philosophical challenge.

Why the problem of evil is important to Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of the problem of evil is essential to comprehending Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy.

1. Connects to the Nature of God

The problem of evil forces a deeper exploration of the nature of God, particularly the attributes of goodness, omnipotence, and omniscience. Philosophers who examine this issue must reconcile how a perfectly good and all-powerful God allows evil to exist in the world. This inquiry is significant in understanding how thinkers like Aquinas approached questions about divine characteristics. It leads to discussions about whether God’s goodness and power can coexist with the presence of suffering and wrongdoing, shaping the framework of theological reasoning.

2. Encourages Analysis of Free Will

The problem of evil often brings up the concept of free will, as it questions whether the existence of human choice plays a role in the presence of suffering. Philosophical discussions on free will are central to various moral and theological systems, as they interrogate the balance between divine authority and human responsibility. This dimension aids in understanding Aquinas’s broader discussions about human nature, ethics, and how freedom fits into the larger divine plan, without necessitating specific judgments on his views.

3. Raises Questions About the Purpose of Suffering

Considering the problem of evil invites reflection on what role, if any, suffering plays in the world. Philosophers may explore whether evil has a purpose beyond human comprehension and how it fits into larger ideas like growth, justice, or cosmic order. These reflections provide insights into Aquinas’s broader philosophical system, which deals with the harmony of the universe and its moral structure, encouraging a deeper understanding of how thinkers grapple with suffering’s meaning.

Contrasting Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy with Voltaire’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas and Voltaire approached the problem of evil from very different perspectives, reflecting broader distinctions in their philosophies. Aquinas, rooted in a theological framework, saw evil as a concept that could be reconciled with an all-powerful, all-good God through reason and faith. His views emphasized the idea of a higher divine order, where what may seem like evil to humans ultimately serves a greater good or purpose in God’s plan. For Aquinas, faith and trust in God’s wisdom allowed for understanding that human perception of evil often stems from a limited viewpoint.

Voltaire, on the other hand, was highly critical of such explanations. His philosophy, particularly seen in works like “Candide,” challenges the optimistic idea that everything exists for a greater good. Voltaire’s response to the problem of evil was deeply influenced by events like the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, a tragedy that he believed rendered such justifications absurd. He criticized the notion that every instance of suffering could serve a divine purpose, arguing instead for a more human-centered understanding of evil—one that confronts it as a stark and undeniable reality.

Ultimately, the key difference lies in their perspectives: Aquinas sought to align reason and faith to justify the existence of evil, while Voltaire rejected metaphysical justifications altogether, championing critical thinking and skepticism. This distinction highlights their opposing approaches to understanding human suffering and the nature of the world.

The Problem Of Evil, Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy and the philosophy of life

Reflecting on Thomas Aquinas’s view about the problem of evil, whether one agrees with it or not, can be deeply valuable as we work to develop our own personal philosophy of life. One of the reasons this reflection is so important is that it compels us to confront some of the most difficult and universal questions about human existence. Why does suffering exist? How should we respond to it? What does it mean for our understanding of purpose, morality, and faith? Thinking about how figures like Thomas Aquinas approached these questions encourages us to wrestle with them from different perspectives and, in doing so, begin forming answers that resonate with our own beliefs and experiences.

Even if someone disagrees with Aquinas’s conclusions, engaging with his ideas helps develop critical thinking. It challenges us to analyze complex arguments and clarify the reasoning behind our own views. This process is not just intellectual—it also has a profound personal impact. Wrestling with the ideas surrounding good and evil pushes us to consider how we want to approach adversity in our own lives. Will we respond with anger, despair, or resilience? Grappling with such themes can shape our sense of identity and values.

Furthermore, reflecting on Aquinas’s philosophy highlights the importance of balancing reason with the emotional experiences connected to evil and suffering. Life often presents situations where rationality alone cannot provide comfort or clarity, and those moments force us to integrate our emotional understanding and spiritual or moral views. Drawing inspiration from philosophical approaches like Aquinas’s can provide tools for this integration, allowing us to think deeply about how we can live authentically and purposefully in a world filled with both joy and pain.

Ultimately, reflecting on these ideas helps create a framework that guides not only our worldview but also our daily actions. Philosophy is not just about abstract theories—it is about how those theories influence the way we live. By engaging with Aquinas’s reflections on evil, we open ourselves up to ideas that challenge us to grow, empathize, and strive for meaning even in the face of difficulty. This makes the process of contemplation both deeply practical and personally enriching.

Further reading

Aertsen, J. A. (1996). Medieval philosophy and the transendentals: The case of Thomas Aquinas. E.J. Brill.

Davies, B. (2006). Thomas Aquinas on God and evil. Oxford University Press.

Feser, E. (2009). Aquinas. Oneworld Publications.

Kenny, A. (1993). The five ways: St. Thomas Aquinas’ proofs of God’s existence. Routledge.

Schumacher, L. (2015). Aquinas and the ethics of God’s causality. Cambridge University Press.

Stump, E. (1988). Aquinas’ moral theory. Cornell University Press.

Wippel, J. F. (2000). The metaphysical thought of Thomas Aquinas: From finite being to uncreated being. Catholic University of America Press.