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How Does Boethius Solve The Problem Of Evil

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In this paper, I’m going to explain Boethius’s (the author) attempt to solve the problem of evil in my own words, and then give my insight on whether or not his solution is successful.

The problem of evil in the world is a haunting thought that reside on everyone’s heart once in their lifetime. For years, great thinkers, philosophers and theologians tried to come up with answers to why evil exist in our world. Among these great thinkers is Boethius, a Christian theologian and a philosopher. In his book, Consolation of philosophy, Boethius discussed the problem of evil in the world, and attempts to solve it. He began by differentiating good and evil, and then clarifies that some evil doers are unaware of their actions, because they are blinded by their greed and evil deed. His solution to the …show more content…
He defines providence as “ the divine reason itself, established within the highest originator of all things who disposes them all” (87). The “highest originator” in his definition is God. In order words, providence is the belief that God is in control of everything, and he is directing them for the good. Boethius is not saying that God is the creator of evil by his definition of providence which he used in attempt to solve the problem of evil in the world. His point is that God created everything and He has power over evil. However, God, chose to give fate to human beings. Boethius defines fate as “the order imposed on things that change, through which providence interlinks each and every object in their due arrangement” (87). In order words, fate is free will or independence. In this sense, fate has been given to human being, they can do whatever they want. God, “the highest originator” is not affected by human or anything that he created’

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