Virtuous Responses to Suffering, Tragedy, and Evil

Suffering and tragic situations

Suffering and tragic situations have always been a part of human experience. This book features essays from varying philosophical views on responses to tragedy, suffering and evil. Many conflicting strategies for addressing such situations have been proposed in response to such tragedies. Both Stoic acceptance and cathartic lament have been advocated. Embracing skepticism—especially religious skepticism—about the goodness of reality has been one response. While some religious adherents have responded with theodicy, others have claimed that theodicy trivializes the significance of tragedy.

Anger, activism, fatalism, prayer, hope, mourning, patience, and simple silence have all been proposed as responses to the tragic. The chapters in this volume explore the patterns, habits, and beliefs that constitute virtuous responses to tragedy. Virtuous in this context refers to excellent character—both moral and intellectual character—in response to the tragic.

Virtuous Responses to Suffering, Tragedy, and Evil will appeal to researchers and graduate students working in virtue ethics, philosophy of religion, theology, and ancient philosophy.