Cosmodicy
Encyclopedia
A cosmodicy is any attempt to justify the fundamental goodness of the universe
in the face of evil
. The term is modelled on theodicy
, and is used by those who see cosmodicy and theodicy as being analogous disciplines. A related term is anthropodicy, which describes attempts to justify the fundamental goodness of humanity
in the face of the grave evils human beings have produced.
A number of theologians have grappled with the relationship between cosmodicy and theodicy. Johannes van der Ven argues that the choice between theodicy and cosmodicy is a false dilemma. Philip E. Devenish proposes "a nuanced view in which theodicy and cosmodicy are rendered complementary, rather than alternative concepts". Theologian J. Matthew Ashley describes the relationship between theodicy, cosmodicy and anthropodicy:
Cosmodicy has been identified as a major theme in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche
.
Universe
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
in the face of evil
Evil
Evil is the violation of, or intent to violate, some moral code. Evil is usually seen as the dualistic opposite of good. Definitions of evil vary along with analysis of its root motive causes, however general actions commonly considered evil include: conscious and deliberate wrongdoing,...
. The term is modelled on theodicy
Theodicy
Theodicy is a theological and philosophical study which attempts to prove God's intrinsic or foundational nature of omnibenevolence , omniscience , and omnipotence . Theodicy is usually concerned with the God of the Abrahamic religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, due to the relevant...
, and is used by those who see cosmodicy and theodicy as being analogous disciplines. A related term is anthropodicy, which describes attempts to justify the fundamental goodness of humanity
Humanity
Humanity may refer to:* The human species**The total world population* Human nature, psychological characteristics that all normal humans have in common**Compassion**Empathy**Altruism**Aggression**Fear...
in the face of the grave evils human beings have produced.
A number of theologians have grappled with the relationship between cosmodicy and theodicy. Johannes van der Ven argues that the choice between theodicy and cosmodicy is a false dilemma. Philip E. Devenish proposes "a nuanced view in which theodicy and cosmodicy are rendered complementary, rather than alternative concepts". Theologian J. Matthew Ashley describes the relationship between theodicy, cosmodicy and anthropodicy:
Cosmodicy has been identified as a major theme in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was a 19th-century German philosopher, poet, composer and classical philologist...
.