GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

According to St. Augustine, what is the theoretical response to the problem of suffering?

1. Evil is real and must be abolished

2. People must choose good to enter heaven

3. Suffering is a test of faith

4. Humans created suffering due to ignorance

The correct answer is: Evil is real and must be abolished

St. Augustine's exploration of the problem of suffering emphasizes that while evil is indeed present in the world, it is not a direct creation of God. Instead, Augustine argues that evil is a privation of good—meaning that it exists as a lack or absence of goodness rather than as a tangible entity. He believes that a true understanding of God reveals that everything God created is good, and thus, evil arises when free will is misused by individuals. In light of this perspective, recognizing the reality of evil—understood as a form of suffering that contrasts with the goodness intended by God—corresponds closely to the notion that evil must be addressed and ultimately abolished. Augustine’s view posits that through understanding and striving towards goodness, individuals can alleviate suffering and work toward restoring the goodness in the world. This theoretical framework highlights the importance of striving to overcome the conditions that lead to suffering, rather than dismissing the reality of evil itself. In contrast, the other options do not align with Augustine's nuanced view of the relationship between good, evil, and human action. The emphasis on the necessity of choice for entering heaven or suffering as a test of faith does not encapsulate Augustine's primary focus on the nature of evil as a priv