Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Club for Open-Minded Discussion & Debate

[Julie Gebrosky]

Based on the above, it seems to me that what you are describing (and defining) is sadism. In other words, if I am understanding you correctly, then you believe the words "evil" and "sadistic" are synonymous; Is that a correct understanding?

If I am understanding correctly, you think it is not 'evil' (i.e. sadistic) to cause pain to a victim if it is done as a means to some other end (e.g. earning money to feed one's hungry family), particularly if it is some kind of utilitarian or unselfish end; And, in contrast, you think it is 'evil' (i.e. sadistic) to cause pain to a victim if the reason it is done is because it causes pain and/or is done solely for the pleasure of the one causing the pain to victim; Is that a correct understanding?

Yes, that is correct. I would agree they are synonymous.

In short, I think we agree. We simply use the equivocal word 'evil' differently. In analogy, it's like if you use the word 'desert' to refer to something tasty and cold, but I use the word 'desert' to refer to something sandy and hot. Then, you would rightly say it's true that I ate some desert last night, but I would rightly say that it's not true that I some desert last night, and yet we wouldn't be disagreeing and we would both be right.

That is, of course, assuming I don't have a secret penchant for munching on the Sahara.

I agree! Though I did quite enjoy the mental picture of munching on the Sahara.

[Blessing Chi Peculiar]

These are my answers.

1. Someone who is evil is wicked and wants to hurt other people. They can be rapists, abusers, molesters, adulterers, murders, thieves, and the list goes on.

2. I am able to restrain myself from doing evil, but I am powerless over others.

3. Jesus alone has the power to transform anyone who sins; I cannot. He delivers us from the evil of our misdeeds.

[Chiwelite Obioma Mgbeoji]

1) Evil is anything that goes against the natural conscience. For instance, it is evil to kill because the natural conscience tells you that you do not take the life of another.

2) Most things that are evil are things within our control; that is things we may choose to change or not. I'm not sure if you wanted examples here.

3) there are some beyond my reach of change; there are some withing my reach to change them; there are some I need to strive to change.

[SarahSchmidt]

My responses are:

1. As you yourself use the term, how do you define the word 'evil'?
Evil is a lack of caring; it's intentionally doing something knowing it's hurting someone and caring not one whit about it, or even if there is some twinge of remorse, it's covered by inaction. I think real, dark evil in the biblical, supernatural sense of the word does exist too. Finding a concrete definition for this is a little harder tho

2. Are the things you think are "evil" things that are in your control or things that are not in your control?
I think being evil, as mentioned above, requires intention. Evil is vindictive and selfish, so I believe these things are in our control.

3. Are the things you think are "evil" things that you can change or things you cannot change?
Maybe we can change our actions, but I don't believe having an evil thought makes us evil, as we acknowledge its wrongness and take pains to not bring it to the fore--it's when we act on it that's the problem.

[Chinemezu Okafor]

Here's my take on this;
1) Evil is when another person intentionally inflicts harm or injury on another person. Evil is when one person intentionally causes one to be sad.

2) I think veil things can be within and not within my control. I mean, anyone can do anything evil.

3)Yes, I think Evil things are things I can change. For instance, when I want to do an evil thing, I can change it, but I can't guarantee my success in changing someone else who has an evil motive.

[Covenant Olusegun]

1. I define evil as the polar opposite of good, anything that is contrary to what is morally correct, things our conscience opposes, and things our religion discourages. I'm a Christian, and I can tell the difference between evil and good.
2. If evil can be controlled by me according to the definition above, I can control myself by doing what is right.
 
3. Let's say the evil is telling lies. I can't change the fact that I can tell lies, but I can stop myself from telling lies.

[mrlefty0706]

I do believe evil exists and evil was not created by God. God gave mankind free will so if a person chooses to be evil it is their decision not pre-ordained by God. To kill innocent people like Hitler did to the Jews and Putin is doing to Ukrainians in schools and hospitals, not on the battlefield is evil. Hurricanes, tornados, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are acts of nature so I do not believe they can be classified as evil. Since climate change is being expedited by mankind and hurricanes are intensifying because of climate change they should not be classified as evil. Tornados are closely tied to hurricanes when they are spun off from the hurricane. Tornados that develop in areas far from land that is ravaged by hurricanes are an act of nature and therefore not evil. Many earthquakes today can be tied to fracking for oil and natural gas. Since fossil fuels contribute to climate change one could say that drilling for fossil fuels could be evil since we know the consequences but when they were first mined and were seen as an incredible source for powering autos, trucks and airplanes they were considered good but today they are moving towards evil since our grandchildren and great grandchildren will be forced to live in a world where the air is difficult to breathe. I would imagine the human body will evolve or adapt to the less breathable air but I will be long gone before this happens. Volcanic eruptions are acts of nature caused by heat and pressure below the volcano. While victims of these eruptions probably feel they are evil I could respond that they should not live near volcanos. I realize that my responses can be debated and I encourage readers to do so. No one but God has all of the answers.

[Nancy004]

1. Evil can be defined as actions, behaviors, or intentions that cause harm, suffering, or destruction, often driven by malicious or malevolent motives.

2. The perception of evil can involve both things that are within our control and things that are beyond our control. For example, individual actions and choices that intentionally cause harm are within our control, while natural disasters or certain circumstances may be beyond our control but still result in harmful consequences. In Sikhism, it is believed that if evil resides within a person, that evilness in the person is considered the enemy, not the person themselves. This perspective emphasizes the distinction between condemning individuals and recognizing the negative qualities or actions they may exhibit.

3. The belief in evil does not necessarily imply that one can change or eradicate all forms of evil. While we can work towards preventing and addressing evil through education, awareness, and justice systems, some instances of evil may be deeply ingrained or inherent in certain individuals or societal structures. However, the recognition of evil allows for the potential for growth, personal transformation, and collective efforts to mitigate its impact and promote greater goodness and compassion.

[Mounce574]

1. Evil is anything that intentionally hurts another living being.
2. Evil can be within one's control or not be under one's control. I.e. Hitler ordered hideous crimes against humanity. Hitler had this under his control but his victims could not change the evil acts that were performed in the gas chambers, lab experiments or firing squads.
3. If I believed I could commit evil acts then I could stop these evil acts before I commit them. I could try to stop evil acts committed by others but I cannot guarantee that I would be successful.

I can concur with this completely.

[Angie Fernandez]

1. As you yourself use the term, how do you define the word 'evil'?
When I think of the term "evil", I think of morally reprehensible. As a society, there has to be some sense of right and wrong. A standard that we uphold. Which is why we have a judiciary system. Evil is anyone who intentionally harms another living thing for personal gain: murder, abuse, ethnic cleansing, rape, molestation, etc.

2. Are the things you think are "evil" things that are in your control or things that are not in your control?
I cannot change the choices that others make. I can only choose not to do "evil" things myself.

3. Are the things you think are "evil" things that you can change or things you cannot change?
I can pray for others. I can visit prisons and share the good news of Jesus Christ who can change a person's heart. I can advocate for changes in the law.
I can share what Jesus has done in my life and encourage others to submit their lives to the Holy Spirit. I can protest against the "evil" occurring in my own backyard.

[mrlefty0706]

Evil is the work of Satan and he has influenced people on Earth to follow his ways like Putin, Xi, Kim Jong Un, Donald Trump, Iran leadership and other dictator run countries in the world.

[Carolyne Ochola]

It goes beyond mere self-interest or defense, suggesting a willful choice to inflict harm and reflecting a deviation from accepted ethical norms. The intentional and unjust use of power to bring about pain or hardship is central to the understanding of what is commonly regarded as evil behavior.

[Eugine Ingalwa]

1. Have you ever been evil before?
2. Have you seen an evil person before?
3. Why did you or the other evil person act in that manner?

[Scholastica Daniel]

I believe it will be plain stupid for a person to ignore the existing of evil. And choosing to walk through life wearing a rose colour glasses. So to answer the question

1. Evil is simply any act that brings pain and misery and it's aimed at suffering people for no just cause.

2. Evil is born from the heart of man and most can be controlled and some can't.

3. Since evil is born from the heart of man most of it can be changed as evil can be a chain same as good.

[Jayy Davis]

These are my honest answers to these questions.
1. I define "evil" as actions, intentions, or behaviors that intentionally cause harm, suffering, or destruction to individuals, groups, or the greater good, violating moral and ethical principles.

2. The things I consider "evil" are often beyond my control, as they are actions or decisions made by individuals external to me. However, I also recognize that I have the power to choose my own actions and intentions, and thus I strive to avoid perpetuating harm or evil myself.

3. While some "evil" things may be beyond my ability to change, I believe that many can be addressed and transformed through collective efforts, education, empathy, and personal responsibility. I focus on promoting positive change and combating harmful actions within my sphere of influence.