D.Z. Phillips argues that the soul-making theodicy commits a category error by treating persons instrumentally—as raw material for virtue production—which itself violates the moral framework any adequate theodicy must presuppose.

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Adequate theodicy(the standard Phillips is holding the soul-making theodicy up to): A convincing and logically sound explanation for why God allows suffering that doesn't violate our basic moral beliefs.
Category error(as used in logic and philosophy of language): A logical mistake where you apply a rule or concept to something it doesn't actually fit, like using a math formula on a poem.
D.Z. Phillips(the philosopher being cited): A Welsh philosopher who specialized in philosophy of religion and challenged traditional ways of thinking about God, faith, and suffering.
Soul-making theodicy(the specific theory being critiqued in the statement): A philosophical explanation for why suffering exists that argues God allows pain and hardship because going through difficulties helps people develop morally and spiritually—like how muscles grow stronger through exercise.

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