"God, Evil and the Best of All Possible Worlds" Self-Quiz

. By "syllogism," Leibniz means . . .

The position that God is limited

A type of religious belief

A type of argument

None of the above

. Complete the following syllogism.
i. _______________.
ii. God did not choose the best in creating this world.
iii. Therefore, God has been lacking in power, or in knowledge, or in goodness.

If God did not choose the best in creating this world, then God doesn't exist

Whoever does not choose the best is lacking in power, or in knowledge, or in goodness

God is supposed to be completely powerful, knowledgeable, and good

We live in the best of all possible worlds

. One example of how evil is compatible with greater good, according to Leibniz, is . . .

God giving us freedom, despite the fact that this ensures some evil in the world

A general preferring a victory with some injury to his ranks over no victory

Imperfection of parts sometimes being required in math for the greater perfection of the whole

All of the above

. Why does Leibniz deny that there is more evil than good in intelligent creatures?

Because the glory of goodness is incomparably greater than the imperfection of evil

Because no intelligent creature is evil

Because historical examples show this isn't true

He doesn't deny this

. For Leibniz, if there is more evil than good in human beings . . .

This means there is more evil than good in intelligent creatures

Then God is imperfect in knowledge, power, or goodness

Then God did not create the best of all possible worlds

This still doesn't mean there is more evil than good in intelligent creatures

. Leibniz holds that we can't live in the best of all possible worlds.

True

False

. For Leibniz, if we live in the best of all possible worlds, then there can be no evil in the world.

True

False

. Leibniz argues that God has no limits.

True

False

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