Paul Ricoeur and the Scandal of Evil: Challenges for Philosophy and Theology

Abstract

At the core of Paul Ricoeur's work is his reflection on evil and suffering, particularly in the book entitled The Symbolism of Evil: »Evil is that we struggle against, that which exists but should not exist, about which we cannot say why it exists: it is that which should not be.« What are the possible answers to this »enigma«? The scandal of »ever present« evil is inadmissible. This is not only a speculative problem - it refers to action, to the logic of superabundance and wisdom's reply. This paper outlines paths opened by Ricoeur, who was very much afflicted by suffering and mourning in his own life.