The problem of evil is one of humanity’s oldest and most profound struggles. How can suffering and injustice exist in a world created by a benevolent force? This central problem of evil finds a unique answer in Perennial Philosophy, a term popularized by Aldous Huxley. This wisdom tradition provides a multi-layered framework for understanding why evil exists on five distinct levels: metaphysical, ethical, psychological, political, and spiritual. Exploring each level is key to solving the problem of evil for oneself.
1. The Metaphysical Level: Is Evil Necessary?
Firstly, on the highest level, Perennial Philosophy suggests that what we perceive as evil is a necessary part of the cosmic framework. For a world of free will to exist, it must contain the potential for evil. The divine Ground of all being is perfect unity, but the manifested universe requires separation and choice. To have the freedom to choose unity, we must have the option to choose separation. Thus, evil is the price of free will. Therefore, metaphysically, evil is a condition for higher goods like courage and compassion to emerge. This perspective reframes the entire problem of evil.
2. The Ethical Level: How Do We Define Good and Evil?
While metaphysics explains evil’s role, ethics gives us a clear compass for action. Here, good and evil are absolute. The doctrine “That art thou” (the divine within all) provides the definition. Good promotes selflessness and union with the divine. Evil fosters selfishness and the worship of power. The ethical problem of evil, therefore, isn’t to explain it but to overcome it through practice. This is achieved by cultivating virtues like love, patience, and kindness, directly addressing the problem of evil in daily life.
3. The Psychological Level: The Battle Within
Furthermore, the battle between good and evil rages within each individual. The “good” soul is one where the higher self governs the lower self (ego, appetites). No soul is entirely good or evil. Everyone houses a “spark of the divine” and a “foul, stygian cave.” The spiritual life is the process of integrating these two—bringing light into the darkness. This internal work through meditation, prayer, or yoga is the essential first step to solving the personal problem of evil.
4. The Political Level: Evil as an Abuse of Power
On the political level, evil manifests as the abuse of power and the failure of brotherhood. Good builds community; evil divides and oppresses. However, Perennial Philosophy argues that a just society cannot be built on politics alone. The political problem of evil is ultimately a spiritual one. People will not love their neighbors until they love something greater than themselves. Therefore, the only sustainable foundation for a good society is the widespread practice of the spiritual life, which solves the problem of evil by transforming individuals.
5. The Spiritual Level: Transcending Good and Evil
Finally, for the awakened soul, the duality of good and evil is transcended. This doesn’t mean saints become immoral; they act with supreme goodness but from a higher perspective (sub specie aeternitatis—under the aspect of eternity). From this vantage point, evil is seen as part of a divine play (lila), where villains exist so that heroes may overcome them. The saint fights evil with love, knowing the outcome is certain. They engage in the world without being overwhelmed by it, finding a resolution to the problem of evil.
Overcoming Evil: The Unified Path
The key insight is that the problem of evil cannot be solved on one level. You must view it through all five lenses.
- Metaphysically, understand its necessary role.
- Ethically, resist it absolutely.
- Psychologically, overcome it within yourself.
- Politically, check its abuse in society.
- Spiritually, see through its illusion.
The means to overcome evil on every level is the same: the dedicated practice of the spiritual life. This path transforms the problem of evil from a reason for despair into a catalyst for growth and the ultimate manifestation of grace.
Conclusion
The journey through the five levels of the problem of evil reveals a profound truth: evil is not a simple puzzle to be solved, but a multi-faceted reality to be understood and engaged with. From its metaphysical necessity to its ethical imperative for resistance, this framework offers not just answers, but a clear path forward. The ultimate resolution to the problem of evil is found in action—the dedicated practice of spiritual growth that transforms us from within and radiates outward, turning the very existence of evil into an opportunity for cultivating goodness, compassion, and ultimate liberation.
Ready to deepen your understanding? Explore our other articles on applying perennial philosophy to modern life, or share your thoughts on overcoming personal challenges in the comments below. Your journey from questioning to peace starts with the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the core answer to the problem of evil in Perennial Philosophy?
The core answer is that the problem of evil is too complex for a single solution. It provides a five-level framework to understand it. Evil is a necessary condition for free will metaphysically, but an absolute to be resisted ethically. The path to overcoming this problem of evil is through inner spiritual practice.
Why does evil exist if there is a good God?
According to this view, evil exists as the necessary counterpart to good in a universe of free will. The possibility of choosing separation (evil) is what makes the choice for unity meaningful. This is a central thesis in addressing the problem of evil.
How can I overcome evil in my personal life?
You overcome evil first by understanding its role, then by actively choosing good. Psychologically, this means mastering your lower self through spiritual disciplines. Ethically, it means promoting selflessness. This two-pronged approach is essential for tackling the problem of evil in one’s life.
Is evil just an illusion?
On the spiritual level, awakened beings see through the illusion of evil’s ultimate reality, understanding its role in the divine drama. However, this transcendence is not passivity. It empowers more effective action against evil, as one fights it with love rather than despair, providing a unique solution to the problem of evil.
What is the ultimate goal in understanding evil?
The ultimate goal is not just to intellectually solve the problem of evil but to use your understanding to achieve liberation. By confronting evil on all five levels, you purify your own soul and ultimately transcend the duality to experience a state of peace beyond good and evil.