How do I revise E2E stub topic for Edexcel A-Level?

Always define your terms clearly at the start of an essay, especially concepts like 'evil', 'theodicy', and 'defence'

What exam tips are there for E2E stub topic? (2)

Structure your arguments by presenting a theistic position, a critique from a sceptical perspective, and your own evaluation

What exam tips are there for E2E stub topic? (3)

Use specific scholarly references (e.g., Mackie, Plantinga, Hick) to support your analysis and avoid vague generalisations

What mistakes should I avoid in E2E stub topic?

Conflating the logical and evidential problems of evil, leading to oversimplified arguments

What are common errors in E2E stub topic exams? (2)

Misrepresenting the Augustinian theodicy as denying the existence of evil rather than defining it as a privation of good

E2E stub topic

EDEXCEL

A-Level

This subtopic examines philosophical and theological responses to the problem of evil, including the logical and evidential challenges to theistic belief. Students analyse classical theodicies and modern defences, evaluating their coherence and relevance. The focus is on developing critical thinking skills to assess how suffering impacts religious faith and the nature of a benevolent deity.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for accurately distinguishing between moral and natural evil with reference to scholarly definitions
Credit should be given for thorough evaluation of at least one major theodicy, including its philosophical presuppositions
Marks should reward sustained critical analysis linking the problem of evil to divine attributes of omnipotence and omnibenevolence
Recognise effective use of key philosophical terms such as 'inconsistent triad', 'epistemic distance', and 'greater good'

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for accurately distinguishing between moral and natural evil with reference to scholarly definitions
Credit should be given for thorough evaluation of at least one major theodicy, including its philosophical presuppositions
Marks should reward sustained critical analysis linking the problem of evil to divine attributes of omnipotence and omnibenevolence
Recognise effective use of key philosophical terms such as 'inconsistent triad', 'epistemic distance', and 'greater good'

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Always define your terms clearly at the start of an essay, especially concepts like 'evil', 'theodicy', and 'defence'
💡Structure your arguments by presenting a theistic position, a critique from a sceptical perspective, and your own evaluation
💡Use specific scholarly references (e.g., Mackie, Plantinga, Hick) to support your analysis and avoid vague generalisations
💡In evaluation questions, prioritise depth over breadth by focusing on one or two key arguments rather than listing many superficially

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Conflating the logical and evidential problems of evil, leading to oversimplified arguments
Misrepresenting the Augustinian theodicy as denying the existence of evil rather than defining it as a privation of good
Failing to engage with counter-arguments to the free will defence, such as the possibility of a world where free beings always choose good
Using emotional language instead of philosophical reasoning when discussing the impact of suffering

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Logical problem of evil

Evidential problem of evil

Augustinian theodicy

Irenaean theodicy

Free will defence

Process theology

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Practice questions tailored to this topic

E2E stub topic

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Key Terminology

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