Chapter four of The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky raises some serious issues about religion and society in general. The conversation between Ivan and Aloysha provides the rationale behind the belief that one would be more reasonable and compassionate by not believing in god. Also, the morals of society come into question as the two brothers question society's norms. While this story takes place during a time very much different from present day, the questions …showed first 75 words of 1277 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1277 total…a few must not be allowed to corrupt society as a whole. The questions raised by Dostoyevsky have no real answer, as they have been asked by billions of people and will stand the test of time. The true question Ivan is asking has nothing to do with religion or society, what he really wants to know is the true meaning of life, or to sum in up in four words: Why are we here?