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On the alleged connection between moral evil and human freedom: A response to Trakakis’ second critique

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In this essay, I answer Nick Trakakis’ second critique of my argument against the adequacy of traditional free will theodicy. I argue, first, that Trakakis errs in his implicit assertion that my argument relies upon our being strongly malevolent by nature. I argue, second, that Trakakis errs in thinking that our being weakly benevolent, morally bivalent, or weakly malevolent by nature is sufficient to refute my critique of the traditional freewill theodicy. I still maintain that the argument from freedom of the will offers an explanation of moral evil that is, in the final analysis, manifestly inadequate.

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Correspondence to Joel Thomas Tierno.

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I thank Nick Trakakis for his continuing interest in my essay, “On the Alleged Connection Between Moral Evil and Human Freedom.” The exchange of ideas in an atmosphere of mutual respect is the very heart of philosophy and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an exchange. I believe, as a consequence, that my thinking concerning the inadequacy of the traditional free will theodicy has become more fully articulated.

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Tierno, J.T. On the alleged connection between moral evil and human freedom: A response to Trakakis’ second critique. SOPHIA 45, 131–138 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02782488

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02782488

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