The Nature of Evil Essay -- Morality

Evil is the violation of a moral code. Evil is the dualistic opposite of good. Evil causes harm. While scattered dictionaries may put out these clear-cut definitions, in reality a theme so prevalent in all spheres of life from the dawn of man takes on limitless forms. The rule book itself has come to symbolize the dividing line between regular people and callous monsters demonic criminals who show no sign of compassion and no adherence to virtue. Ideas concerning black have been strung along through the schools of theology, the minds of society, and the theories of philosophy throughout the history of mankind. The dichotomy between the opposing ideas of good and evil sets apart a decrepit area ignored by the black and white view of morality. In this gray area, reason, incentive, and relativism come into light. It is only when one investigates the meaning of evil from religious, social, and philosophical vantage points that they may truly discover the nature of evil. In religion, the concepts of good and evil refer to a range of objects, desires, and behaviors which constitute morally positive and morally minus consequences on a spiritual level. Good is a broad concept typically comprised by associations with charity, happiness, love, and prosperity. Evil, on the other hand, can represent deliberate wrongdoing, actions intentional to harm others, humiliation of people with the intent to diminish their needs and dignity, and acts of violence. Although each major religion varies in its distinctions of the two conceptions of morality, good and bad are cultural universals originating from Pre-Socratic philosophical notions. moral philosophy in its absolute sense can be traced back to the dialogues of Plato. Book IV of Platos Republic ... ...ed on their experiences. Works CitedEagleton, Terry. The constitution Of Evil. Tikkun 26.1 (2011) 80-94. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Dec. 2011.Formosa, Paul. Kant On The Radical Evil Of Human Nature. Philosophica l Forum 38.3 (2007) 221-245. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Dec. 2011.Thomas Aquinas, SUMMA THEOLOGICA, translated by the Fathers of the position Dominician Province (New York Benziger Brothers, 1947) Volume 3, q. 72, a. 1, p. 902Hans Schwarz, Evil A Historical and Theological Perspective (Lima, Ohio Academic Renewal Press, 2001) 4243Gaymon Bennett, Ted Peters, Martinez J. Hewlett, Robert John Russell (2008). The evolution of evil. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. p.318.Parry, Richard D. Morality And Happiness Book IV Of Platos Republic. Journal Of Education 178.3 (1996) 31. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Dec. 2011.