I completely agree, Benjamin, that it is about appealing to the best explanation. And I agree that the problem of evil is a challenge. In my view there are ways of understanding this that do not fully end the issue but point in a useful direction. I will explore that in future posts but gave an indication of that in my post about the universe being hacked.

The potentially equally or more difficult problem with the “accident” explanation is how do you account for the inherent goodness? Now, I understand that is fully subjective, yet it is also strong philosophical argument.

It seems to me in a totally accidental universe, the categories of good and bad that you suggest come with the universe are essentially meaningless. It is what it is, as they say. Wouldn’t you agree?

On the other hand, by some of your latest posts I am not certain that you would totally subscribe to an accidental universe, but perhaps more with one with a form of natural teleology. If so, I still think the issue of “goodness” poses a challenge. Or, am I wrong in thinking that you are amenable to that direction?