Recent explorations into the persistent question of evil in the world revisit philosophical tenets, notably those of Gottfried Leibniz. These discussions, surfacing in publications like Psychology Today South Africa and Neel Burton's author website, posit that evil is not an intrinsic substance but rather an absence, a deviation from a greater good that a benevolent, omnipotent being permits rather than causes.
The core argument centers on the concept of theodicy, the attempt to reconcile the existence of evil with the attributes of an all-good, all-powerful God. Leibniz's perspective, as highlighted, suggests that while God possesses the will and ability to prevent evil, its existence is a consequence of allowing a world that, in its totality, serves a higher purpose. This involves a distinction between "metaphysical evil" (the inherent imperfection of existence) and "natural evil" (suffering and pain). A point raised is that a world without minds might have been devoid of certain forms of evil, implying a deliberate choice in creation.
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Historical and Societal Echoes in South African Psychology
Concurrently, within the academic sphere of South Africa, reflections on the discipline's trajectory are taking place. A special issue of the South African Journal of Psychology (SAJP), released in November 2024, commemorates three decades of psychology in the nation. This publication delves into the "legacies of hope and fault lines of the future," critically assessing the achievements and shortcomings of post-apartheid psychology. It examines the discipline's evolution, its contributions to democracy and social well-being, and the ongoing struggles within its practice.
This introspection is contextualized by the profession's development over more than a century, as outlined in a PubMed overview. It notes the unification of psychology under the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) shortly before the advent of democracy. The review highlights how psychology became a popular university subject and an established profession, with its members engaging in diverse societal roles. Crucially, it acknowledges the increased participation of Black psychologists in leadership and research over the past two decades, suggesting a transformed psychology with the potential to address South Africa's human issues. The enduring impact of apartheid racism on psychology's development and the influences of past political structures on professional organizations are also traversed.
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Theological Perspectives on Divine Restraint
Beyond philosophical and sociological analysis, theological viewpoints continue to engage with the problem of evil. Publications like GotQuestions.org and Eternal Perspective Ministries touch upon interpretations where God is understood to actively "restrain" evil. This perspective frames evil as that which is contrary to God's nature and ways, and that humanity's defiance has historically led to divine judgment, such as the biblical flood narrative. The persistent presence of suffering, even in the context of claimed divine triumph over sin and death, remains a point of inquiry.
