Theodicy attempts to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with the idea of a benevolent and omnipotent God.

Monism, particularly in its idealistic form, often posits that evil is an illusion or a necessary aspect of a unified reality.

The free will defense argues that God allows evil to exist as a necessary consequence of granting humans free will.

The argument from evil, also known as the problem of evil, challenges the existence of a benevolent and omnipotent God due to the presence of suffering and evil in the world.

Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher, is often credited with formulating the problem of evil in its classic form.

Privation theory, also known as negative theology, posits that evil is not a positive entity but rather the absence or privation of good.

The soul-making theodicy proposes that suffering serves to refine and develop the human soul, leading to spiritual growth and maturity.

Friedrich Nietzsche, in his philosophy, often emphasized the inevitability and even necessity of suffering as an aspect of human existence.

The free will defense argues that God allows evil to exist as a necessary consequence of granting humans free will, which is seen as a valuable and essential aspect of human existence.

Plotinus, a Neoplatonic philosopher, posited that suffering arises from the separation of the soul from the One, or the ultimate reality.

Subjectivism posits that evil is not an objective reality but rather a subjective experience or interpretation of certain events or circumstances.

The process theodicy suggests that suffering plays a role in the evolutionary selection of advantageous traits, leading to the development of more resilient and adaptable organisms.

Epicurus, in his philosophy, posited that suffering arises from the pursuit of excessive pleasure and the fear of pain.

The argument from design, also known as the teleological argument, infers the existence of a designer or creator based on the apparent order and purposefulness of the universe.

Immanuel Kant, in his philosophy, argued that suffering is an inherent aspect of the finite and imperfect nature of reality, which he contrasted with the infinite and perfect nature of God.