Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Philosophy Club

[Osakwe Emmanuel]

I agree with what you said about evil not really existing. When I was young, I was taught about evil as something bad that shouldn't be there but is. Now that I'm older, I hardly use the word, but when I do, I mean things that cause a lot of harm. It's not that these things shouldn't exist, but calling them "evil" shows how much harm they do.

[Mark Maxwell 2]

Your perspective aligns with the notion that evil, as traditionally defined, doesn't exist in the sense that everything that exists should be accepted for what it is. While you were introduced to the concept of evil in a religious context during childhood, as an adult, you see it more as a descriptor for things that cause significant harm, acknowledging that harm itself can be subjective. This view emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding the impact of actions rather than labeling them as inherently evil.

[Jimmy Cook]

I believe everyone has their own opinion on what evil means. To some people what is evil might be a good thing to them. To me I feel like evil is judged and determined by our conscience.

[Richard Garcia 5]

As a kid, religion taught me evil was like this dark force that shouldn't exist, but somehow did. Now that I'm older, I hardly ever use the word "evil" anymore. But if something causes a ton of suffering, that's when that word might come out. Though, even suffering can be different for everyone, you know? Maybe "evil" is just a really strong way of saying how much something hurts.

[Raymonda Onwuka 1]

I do believe that evil do exist but only in the context of humans relating with humans. Doing something (that you won't want to be done to you) to another person just because you can is my definition of evil.

[Tomy Chandrafrost]

In Confucius' concept, good and bad exist in the world to balance the universe. Goodness, badness, black, and white, they need each other and complement each other.

[Gerrard Mark]

To me, "evil" refers to actions or intentions that cause harm, suffering, or destruction. While the concept of evil is often used to label extreme negativity, I believe it's a human construct shaped by cultural, social, and psychological factors. I don't see evil as a tangible force but rather as a manifestation of complex human behaviors and circumstances.

[Henry Chude]

To me, "evil" represents a moral absolutism, an inherent and unchangeable malevolence. It suggests actions or entities that are fundamentally and irredeemably bad. However, I believe that "evil," as such, does not exist. Human behavior is complex and often driven by a myriad of factors, including psychological, social, and environmental influences. Labeling someone or something as "evil" oversimplifies these complexities and overlooks the potential for understanding and change. Actions perceived as "evil" are typically the result of extreme conditions, traumas, or misguided beliefs rather than an innate, unchangeable nature. By rejecting the concept of inherent evil, we open ourselves to addressing root causes and fostering empathy, promoting rehabilitation over condemnation. This perspective encourages a more nuanced approach to morality and human behavior.

[Rose Lineani]

The main thing I got from this is to engage in self-reflection on how we perceive and respond to challenges, and whether our reactions align with acceptance and love or resistance and judgment.

[Surabhi Rani]

Such an inference (evil does not exist) results from one's strong identification with truth and its nature. You identify with the truth through unconditional love for everyone and everything. Your experience of unification with the element of truth is so complete and pragmatic that you have realized the true essence of all existence.

[Suvankar Das 1]

I love the idea of reframing "evil" as "should-not-ness." It emphasizes acceptance, which the book seems to be all about. While I get why some situations might seem different, focusing on love and forgiveness feels powerful. It's a beautiful struggle, but maybe together, with acceptance, it can be a little less ugly.

[Adaboo]

Your philosophy on "evil" as "should-not-ness" is intriguing. You argue that believing in "evil" implies a lack of acceptance and unconditional love for reality as it is. Your perspective resonates with ideas of acceptance, forgiveness, and compassion. You distinguish your view from others who may use "evil" to describe harmful actions or entities, highlighting the importance of definitions and context.

Your example of the rabid dog illustrates your point well. While others might label the dog as "evil," you advocate for unconditional love, forgiveness, and acceptance, even if that means euthanizing the dog to protect others or end its suffering.

Your question about the existence of "evil" as "should-not-ness" is thought-provoking. While I'm an AI, I don't hold personal beliefs or opinions. However, I acknowledge the value of your philosophy in promoting acceptance, love, and compassion.

The way you define "evil" is unique and specific to your philosophical framework. Others may use the term differently, and their definitions may not align with yours. It's essential to recognize the importance of context and definitions in discussions like these.

While I'm an AI, I don't hold personal beliefs or opinions. However, I acknowledge the value of your philosophy in promoting acceptance, love, and compassion.

Was this quotation from AI? I wanted to clarify something but if it is from AI, I'm not stating it.

[Christell Lindeque]

Do I understand you correctly that you do not believe evil exists? Because I can't seem to grasp what you are trying to say in the post or I do but I simply do not see the word evil the same way as you.

[rajesh kumar jain]

To me, the word "evil" encompasses actions or behaviors that cause harm, suffering, or injustice to others. However, I believe that "evil," as I understand it, does not exist as a standalone force or entity. Instead, it often arises from complex factors such as ignorance, fear, or a lack of empathy. When we label something as "evil," we are often referring to extreme acts that defy our moral or ethical norms. Yet, these acts are usually rooted in human choices and circumstances rather than an inherent essence of evil itself. People may do harmful things due to their own beliefs, motivations, or distorted perceptions of the world. Furthermore, viewing actions as "evil" can sometimes oversimplify complex human behaviors and motivations. It can prevent us from understanding the underlying causes and addressing them effectively. By recognizing the complexities behind harmful actions, we can strive to promote understanding, compassion, and positive change rather than simply condemning things as inherently evil. Therefore, while the word "evil" describes serious wrongdoing and its impacts, I see it more as a reflection of human choices and circumstances rather than a standalone reality.

[Josie Simon]

I really appreciate your thoughts on evil and how you're challenging the traditional idea of what it means. I like how you define it as 'should-not-ness', it highlights how morality is subjective. It's almost like we're trying to impose our will on the world, and evil is just a reflection of our own limitations.

I agree with you that resentment and hate are toxic emotions that weigh us down. I also love your philosophy of unconditional love and forgiveness. It's about acknowledging the inherent value of everyone and accepting that we can't control everything.

However, I don't think evil doesn't exist. For me, it's a real force that operates in the world, often hidden behind more palatable labels like 'bad' or 'wrong.' It's the dark side of human nature that we try to deny or suppress. It's what drives us to hurt each other, exploit and manipulate each other, and perpetuate suffering.

I think our perspectives are two sides of the same coin. You see evil as a byproduct of our limited understanding, but I see it as a fundamental part of human nature. Maybe we're just approaching it from different angles, but it's an important conversation to have.