General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDoes evil exist?
That question has been asked by philosophers and theologians throughout human history. We have to say that "Some people commit evil deeds," that's beyond question; but, does "evil" exist as a force or quality, separate from the evil actions of evildoers?
Luke Russell, of the University of Sydney, discusses this at Rawstory: Does evil exist, and, if so, are some people just plain evil?
...................//snip
This leads into the question of whether a really evil person, like Hitler, is irredeemably evil, something that most psychologists, as well as most Christian theologians would dispute.
The discussion goes on!
linuxman
(2,337 posts)Never have, never will.
butterfly77
(17,609 posts)Shandris
(3,447 posts)...intentional.
I've seen a lot of people referring to some kind of supernatural evil, though...and I'm not sure where that mindset comes from. Suffice to say I don't think there is such a thing (although I'm undecided on whether the empathic resonance of an evil action can linger...consider the 'feel' of Auschwitz, for instance -- but that's not 'supernatural' imo even if it does exist, its just nature we haven't fully quantified).
Slip_n_Slide
(30 posts)Many beyond redemption if only for the fact that if they ever became a moral person they could never live with themselves.
GeorgeGist
(25,321 posts)Tierra_y_Libertad
(50,414 posts)KT2000
(20,583 posts)An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
wandy
(3,539 posts)People on the other hand have the capacity to 'produce' evil.
People also have the ability to 'produce' good.
There is also the matter of what is perceived as evil.
Much of the ideology of the Right Wing may appear evil, when to them they believe that they are simply following the teachings of 'god'.
It is possible for a person to pray in the house of the lord (perceived as good) while condemning others for praying to a graven image (perceived as evil).
Mental illness in and of itself is not evil however the actions of a Hannibal Lecter can be thought of as such even if those actions are caused mental illness.
Is gay marriage evil or does the evil lie in denying people that right?
War does not equate to evil. War even if necessary is just plane wrong.
It is possible that a persons capacity for evil is a matter of how much evil they perceive around them.