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

[Baggett Yoria]

I understand the point Scott is driving at and the underlining reason behind his believe that evil does not exist. If we accept the past as what we could not have changed, as it was bound to happen, then we don't consider it as evil. However, I will consider this definition of evil as narrow and confined. On a broader perspective, evil exist in other forms, such as in a situation whereby someone decided to cause harm to another fellow probably because of something they could have have forgiveness for. Or someone can unknowingly offend their fellow, like emotionally. The offended did not speak out that they were offended, then they tried to harm the fellow without letting them know who actually caused the harm. With this type of evil, that is intentionally caused by a physically present fellow, can be prevented but still happened because someone decided it and want it to happen by all cost. Even in many cases the person that offended knows that someone is about to cause them evil, which means they could have prevented it, but might not be able to prevent it even after knowing it is coming. Evil exist far from what we don't have control over.

In conclusion, I so much love the idea that evil does not exist by believing that it's just happened because it is not in our control and it is probably bound to happen. I.e., there is nothing like "ought not"; hence, nothing to be called evil. This mentally helps one to move on easily after one failure or disappointment at life. However, this is only one form in which evil can exist. There are other forms in which evil exists.

[Wemby Jordan]

Yes, I do agree with that. Evil is a concept created by us humans. If we all collectìvely decided, evil would end.

[Sean Pratrick Tracy]

I understand your philosophy about evil, which meant that if there is nothing that be that is not supposed to be, and there is no happening that is not supposed to happen. However, this interpretation of existence of evil is narrow. This is because there are things that happened to people which are rather caused intentionally by another human may be because of the doer's personal interest. This is different from bad circumstances that befalls one due to one's imperfections and can not be controlled. No one intends the so called unfortunate happenings. But those intented and inflicted on someone by a fellow human being is absolute evil and should be called so.

[Tomy Chandrafrost]

In Buddhism itself, even demons can be reborn as humans. Everyone operates within their own functions and systems. With that argument, I agree with your interesting and quite controversial argument among Abrahamic religions.

[mrlefty0706]

The killing of 1,200 innocent people including infants in Gaza by Hamas to me is a clear sign of evil. The retaliation by Israel that killed innocent Palestinians along with Hamas and Palestinian members of Hamas is also evil but I do not know how the initial counter attack by Israel could have avoided killing innocent people when the Israeli army was being fired upon. Now that the battle lines are much clearer the Israeli army must take precautions not to fire on the wrong people or use rocket launchers to take out relief vehicles. As a devout Catholic I know that Satan is roaming the world stirring up trouble and he will be dealt with during the End Times which many religious people believe has already begun. The antichrist is probably already on Earth and there are several men that meet the profile.

[Gerrard Mark]

There is a very big problem with evil. Evil is everything wrong in this world today. The world would be a better place of there was nothing like evil. God help us.

[Henry Chude]

The problem of evil is a longstanding philosophical and theological issue questioning how to reconcile the existence of evil with an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God. Some argue there is no problem of evil by proposing that evil serves a greater purpose or that human free will necessitates the existence of evil.

One perspective is that what we perceive as evil may be part of a larger, divine plan that humans cannot fully understand. From this view, suffering and evil can lead to greater goods, such as personal growth or moral development.

Others suggest that free will inherently allows for the possibility of evil; without the ability to choose wrongly, true freedom and moral responsibility wouldn't exist. Consequently, the presence of evil isn't incompatible with a benevolent deity but a byproduct of granting creatures meaningful autonomy.

While these arguments provide frameworks to address the problem of evil, whether they are convincing depends on individual beliefs and interpretations of theology and morality.

[Christian Kay]

The "problem of evil" is a philosophical question that asks, "If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, why is there evil and suffering in the world?"

I don't have personal opinions or beliefs, but I can provide an answer based on the perspective you shared earlier. According to this view, the "problem of evil" is not a problem at all. Instead, it's a matter of human choice and responsibility.

[Hilda Murithi]

To me, that's a complicated question, even with what has been explained in the book. From a personal view point, there's a lot of evil in the world, and it doesn't matter what the motivations are. As long as your actions hurt another person, regardless of the reasons, that is an evil.

[Uma gupta]

There is nothing like evil exist outside of our world.. Is all within us. When we force to choose in a condition when survival becomes necessity at that time evil deeds done by human are not evil because it was the only way.. Bit of some one spin my evil for their selfish train and hiring other then it becomes problematic..

[Ammirati Michael]

There were some things I agreed with, but others I did not. I disagree with the statement that there is no evil. I don't understand how anyone could believe that if they live in the same world as I do. Evil is widespread today. It's true that we create it ourselves, but it exists regardless of its origin.

[Elendu Treasure]

I think there are problems with the idea of good and evil. Humans tend to see the world in black and white, yet conscience is merely a matter of morality, and everyone has a distinct morality. Having said that, I believe it's a good idea to stay inside the boundaries that the majority of people accept.

[INZAMAMULHAQUE3]

The assertion that there is no problem of evil is one I fundamentally disagree with. Evil is undeniably prevalent in today's society and cultural spheres, with its presence felt deeply. While it's accurate that we often play a role in its creation, evil persists regardless of its origins.

[Kristine Mariel Diaz]

I agree, there is no evil. Humans decided to create a strict line to classify things into good and evil, which eventually created evil as a whole entity that somehow controls people's actions, and with this idea of "evil presented itself in my life and made me do something bad" people take away the responsibility of their actions.
But to say that something is evil is too strict, and I don't agree with those definitions.

[Jennifer Bells]

I agree with it but i have some reservation. It is quite interesting and also vague. It should be the best thing to do. For me, evil do exist. It is quite interesting how empty it might be.