Paul Ricoeur on Mythic-Symbolic Language: Towards a Post-theodical Understanding of the Problem of Evil

Abstract

This chapter examines the symbolic language of evil in the philosophy of Paul Ricoeur. In restricting its interpretation to the performative aspect of the mythic-symbol language of evil, this chapter attempts to comprehend the way in which Ricoeur accounts, firstly, for the limitations of modern theodicy (comprising the radicalisation of moral evil—Kant, and tragedy—Hegel). Secondly, it is shown that a more productive appreciation of the mythic-symbolic language of evil can be developed in relation to a post-theodical approach. Finally, the chapter also shows that a myth-instructed post-theodicy might generate new modes of recognition and understanding evil that positively appropriate: (a) the possibility of hope and (b) the complex human resources of dealing with evil.