In the discussion on the plausibility of an all-evil God versus an all-good God, Dr. Max Baker-Hytch delivered a compelling argument that encapsulated the essence of the debate. He highlighted the inherent scepticism that arises when considering the ‘evil God’ hypothesis, pointing out that if such a malevolent deity were to exist, it would provide ample reason to doubt the reliability of our cognitive faculties. According to Dr. Baker-Hytch, the very nature of an evil God would entail a desire to deceive humanity, leading to pervasive doubts and uncertainties. In contrast, the ‘good God hypothesis’ stands in stark contrast, lacking the motive for such pervasive deception.
Dr. Asha Lancaster-Thomas, whose scholarly contributions have ignited significant discourse on this topic, brought her insights to bear on the discussion. Holding a PhD from the University of Birmingham and teaching philosophy at Atlanta Classical Academy, Dr. Thomas is no stranger to the complexities of metaphysics and epistemology. Her paper on the ‘evil God challenge’ has been a focal point for philosophical inquiry, prompting responses such as Dr. Baker-Hytch’s co-authored rebuttal, “Meeting the Evil God Challenge.”
Dr Max Baker-Hytch, lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Oxford received his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Oxford and subsequently held research positions at the University of Oxford and the University of Notre Dame. Max has published more than a dozen scholarly articles and book chapters on various topics within the fields of philosophy of religion and epistemology
This intellectual but friendly exchange between Dr. Baker-Hytch and Dr. Lancaster-Thomas, is hosted by fellow philosopher Vince Vitale.
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Asha Lancaster Thomas
- Read Asha’s chapter in Jack Symes’ Philosophers on God: Talking About Existence (https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/philosophers-on-god-9781350227286/)
- https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phc3.12543
- https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/phc3.12502
- Twitter: @asha_lancaster
For Max Baker Hytch:
- Twitter: @MaxBakerHytch
- Max Baker Hytch and Ben Page’s paper https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/papq.12304
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