The Epicurian paradox reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Epicurian paradox

Epicurus is credited with coining the Epicurean paradox describing the conclusion that the existence of evil is incompatible with the existence of God.

The paradox posits that:

1. If God exists, then he is all-powerful.
2. If God exists, then he is good.
3. If God is all-powerful and good, then there would be no evil.
4. There is evil.
5. Therefore God does not exist.

A number of defenses to the Epicurean paradox have been raised, most notably the free-will defence. These defenses comprise the field of theodicy.

The fifth century theologian St. Augustine of Hippo mounts one of the most pervasive defenses for the existence of God against the Epicurian paradox. In "On Free Choice of the Will," Augustine attacks Epicurus' formulation of theodicy for ignoring the potential benefits of suffering in the world.

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