Dostoevsky within the problem of evil: influences and reception

Journal article

Fyodor Dostoevsky has played an influential role in shaping both theistic and atheistic approaches to the problem of evil. This study situates Dostoevsky within the history of theodical discussions by examining the sources that shaped Dostoevsky’s engagement with the problem of evil as well as the reception of his work in later debates. This paper identifies three aspects of Ivan’s formulation of the problem, a rejection of consequentialist justification of suffering, a radical reinterpretation of truth, and his use of the evidential form, and shows how these arguments emerge from diverse sources including Orthodox apophaticism, Alexander Pushkin, and Immanuel Kant. This paper also illustrates how these have been influential for both anti-theodical and evidential traditions in the problem of evil. I also examine three of Dostoevsky’s responses to the problem of evil, the miracle of Job’s faith, an appeal to freedom, and an artistic vision of confronting suffering. I show how these are predominantly grounded in his Christian beliefs and can foster productive engagements in theodical literature. This paper aims to further the appreciation of Dostoevsky’s contributions to the problem of evil as well as promote a more holistic treatment of the problem of evil.

Authors: Yen, JJW

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer
• Journal: International Journal for Philosophy of Religion
• Volume: 99
• Issue: 2
• Article number: 10
• Publication date: 2026-02-20
• Acceptance date: 2026-01-29
• DOI: 10.1007/s11153-026-09990-8
• EISSN: 1572-8684
• ISSN: 0020-7047
• Language: English
• Keywords: Philosophical theology; The problem of evil; Russian literature; Anti-theodicy; The Brothers Karamazov; Fyodor Dostoevsky; Narrative theodicy