The Question of Evil in Philosophy: A Critical Reading of Leibniz’s Thinking

Among the major themes that govern, the question of evil is one of the most troubling issues that many theologians and philosophers have been confronted with. Many thinkers have clearly admitted their dismay and uncertainties in the face of this problem, and others have complained of their inability to provide a satisfactory answer. Many atheists have tried to take advantage of this difficulty. They have then used this question to try to call into question the existence of God and thus arouse doubt in believers. More than a theme, it is a guiding idea although it changes value during the journey. Thus, the question of evil, which raises different types of questions, interests mythology, theology and philosophy. Evil is this transhistorical and inescapable pandemic, to which it is useless to add, is universal. It is indifferent to no one and the adiaphoras of the Stoics only concern what does not depend on us. In the very extension of the concept, several possible approaches must be taken into account: does evil come from our physical suffering, from the sensible; or is it moral in the sense that it touches on sin? Or finally, is it simply a metaphysical evil, this anguish of man in the face of his imperfection? Some philosophers, including Leibniz, have looked into the question. This article presents some reflections of philosophers and especially a critical reflection of the thought of the illustrious man of science Leibniz, on the subject.