An epistemologically cumulative response to the problem of excessive evil: A Quranic-narrative analysis in the face of William Rowe's argument

Mousavi, Mona; Ramin, Farah; Allami, Aaleme

doi:10.22091/jptr.2026.14389.3424

An epistemologically cumulative response to the problem of excessive evil: A Quranic-narrative analysis in the face of William Rowe's argument

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Shia Studies Department, Theology Department, Faculty of Theology, University of Qom

² Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Theology, University of Qom

³ Graduated from the Faculty of Theology, University of Qom, PhD in Theology

10.22091/jptr.2026.14389.3424

Abstract

The problem of evil, especially the type of "excessive evil" that William Rowe has proposed as a circumstantial evidence against theism, is considered one of the fundamental challenges in the philosophy of religion. Using a narrative-analytical method and focusing on the verses of the Quran and the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), this article examines and evaluates conventional responses such as the best system, free will, testing, the transcendence of the soul, the reward of the hereafter, and skeptical theism. The findings show that none of these responses is sufficient on its own; but their systematic combination is justified when the epistemological role of evil is placed at the center. The "knowledge-centered cumulative response" model interprets all of these responses in terms of the epistemological axis of suffering. According to this plan, encountering evil plays a fundamental role in creating knowledge of man's existential weakness and his need for God, and this knowledge provides the basis for servitude and the transcendence of the soul. Accordingly, no evil is excessive. Rather, it is purposeful and consistent with the attributes of divine knowledge, power, and benevolence, and each of them plays a role in increasing knowledge.

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