TOUT EST BIEN? NATURAL AND SUPERNATURAL CAUSES OF EVIL: PERSPECTIVES FROMHUME'S TREATISE AND VOLTAIRE'S CANDIDE

Abstract

Evil and human suffering seem to be a perennial problem. Final answers to the enigma may be impossible, but we can endeavour to structure the debate and avoid increasing suffering by 'wrong' ways of thinking - our theories merely exacerbate the suffering. The question of evil, suffering and theodicy was dealt with extensively in the 18th century. This article revisits the ideas of Hume and Voltaire, representing much of 18th century thought on the subject, in order to determine its relevance to present-day thinking. Voltaire's Candide ridicules Lessing's idea that we have the best of all possible worlds. Thinking about evil and suffering is always causal: Why did it happen? Who / what caused it? In this regard Hume indicated that the 'necessary' connection we make between cause and effect is no more than a custom (operation) of mind, and often wrong. We establish causal patterns over a period of time and apply them uncritically and unscientifically in our daily explanation of events. This seems to be analogous to the naturalistic fallacy (Moore) of deriving an ethical 'ought' from an empirical 'is' (fact). Causal operation on a physical level is transposed to the moral level of human conduct. We establish a causal link between ethical conduct and what 'consequently' transpires in our lives. This explains why we attribute much of what happens in our lives to either God or the devil. The article challenges theology to engage with science and the natural explanations it offers, in a manner that maintains vistas of the transcendent, including the experience of awe, wonderment, respect and worship.