more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 5050

[catalogued under 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 3. Problem of Evil / b. Human Evil]

Full Idea

Evils themselves serve a greater good, and the fact that pains are found in minds is necessary if they are to reach greater pleasures.

Gist of Idea

Evil serves a greater good, and pain is necessary for higher pleasure

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (A Résumé of Metaphysics [1697], §23)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.147


A Reaction

How much pain is needed to qualify for the 'greater pleasures'? Some people receive an awful lot. I am not sure exactly how an evil can 'serve' a greater good. Is he recommending evil?