Description
reply to both questions below about God Ch. 18 (pp. 230-244). Then end your post by asking a question about the reading. I will use this discussion to inform our in-class discussion so remember what you wrote in case I ask you to elaborate or if your question gets answered.
1. Briefly explain Mackie’s objection to the solution “Evil is due to human freewill.” What does he think is problematic with the idea that God’s goodness is only concerned with maximizing the third-order good of human freedom (which, in turn, may promote either second-order good or second-order evil)? What do you think about this objection?
2. Briefly explain the “Paradox of Omnipotence.” Do you think Mackie is correct in his assessment that we cannot reasonably (a) believe that God has “first-order omnipotence” while also (b) believing that humans can act independently of God?
Again, make sure to end each response with a question about the reading to your instructor or classmates. After Thursday’s class, feel free to return to this discussion and reply to your classmates as much as you’d like. This is optional, but may afford extra credit if your replies are thoughtful and accurate.
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Submit your reading response for God Ch. 18 (pp. 230-244) here as a PDF.
Your submission should consist of a brief SUMMARY of part of the reading and an ANALYSIS in which you take a stance on a particular interpretation of what you summarized.
Important criteria for your SUMMARY —a quotation or short passage along with clarifying remarks, definitions, and contextual info.
Relative Length: Each summary should be no more than 50% of the entry
Terms: Make sure to briefly define any special terms when you introduce them
Important criteria for your ANALYSIS —an argument for an unobvious interpretation or a practical application of the text
Relative Length: Each analysis should be more than 50% of the entry
Thesis: There should be an easily-identifiable thesis (your ‘stance’, position, or interpretation of that part of the reading you summarized)
Argument: Justify your thesis with a brief argument (i.e., why you’re taking that ‘stance’ or why you think your interpretation is helpful)
Examples (optional): Provide examples from your own life if you think they’d be helpful. In general, I’m fine with first-person pronouns.
Important TECHNICAL criteria:
Overall Length: At least 300 words per entry (not longer than 600 words please)
Citation: Use proper citation of any quotations or paraphrases
Format: Use proper formatting (double-spaced, neat paragraphs,
