Definition of Evil

[Piscivore]

Because the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
This is true. Planning to commit a terrible atrocity is, itself, an action that can be (and often is) considered criminal. But execution is reserved for committing the most heinous of crimes, not for planning them.

In Arizona we (average, everyday, civilian Joes) can use "deadly physical force" against someone to protect ourselves, our families, unacquianted third parties, and even property. You can shoot an arsonist or a burgler, even if it isn't your place being robbed.

Plus, we no longer need a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

 

[Beth]

In Arizona we (average, everyday, civilian Joes) can use "deadly physical force" against someone to protect ourselves, our families, unacquianted third parties, and even property. You can shoot an arsonist or a burgler, even if it isn't your place being robbed.

I wouldn't. I don't even own a gun.

 

[MattusMaximus]

A completely deterministic universe that involves time travel, which is probably a contradiction in terms and so logically impossible, shouldn't include words such as good and evil most likely.

Now, a deterministic universe can still include such terms, but they are not absolutes but merely labels. If the universe is determined, then we are determined to use the words and apply them just as we are doing now. We are also determined to discuss this topic and even discuss the fact that we are discussing this topic....................

Ah ha, so the definitions of good & evil we are using here assumes free will, correct?

 

[Ichneumonwasp]

Ah ha, so the definitions of good & evil we are using here assumes free will, correct?

No, that is why I made a distinction between a deterministic universe with and without time travel. I'm not sure the terms have any meaning when time travel is introduced.

We can still speak about good and evil in a deterministic universe. The words may simply not mean the same thing in the presence or absence of free will. It's just that we will be determined to use and apply the words in a particular way in a deterministic universe.

I guess the same might be true in a deterministic universe with time travel, but I think that probably creates an internal contradiction.

 

[westprog]

If an objective quality exists, one apart from how humans feel about something, it can be measured objectively. If it can't then we have no business stating that it exists.

What is the objective test for evil?

Have someone do something extremely unpleasant to you. Have someone else do something really nice. Then consider whether a value-free universe is compatible with your experience.

 

[Piscivore]

Have someone do something extremely unpleasant to you. Have someone else do something really nice.

Explain how that's objective.

Then consider whether a value-free universe is compatible with your experience.

Now explain how values are objective, if the alternative to moral objectivity is "a value-free universe".

 

[Kid Eager]

Evil is being wilfully bdong.

 

[Clive]

When mixed up I'm nearly vile but otherwise the complete opposite of evil. See?

 

[wellwhatif]

the ID in all of us

 

[AkuManiMani]

Evil is not something that can be done to or done by objects. Evil only has relevance within the the context of subjects and their relation(s) to one another. To ask whether or not good and evil are objective is to miss the point entirely.

 

[westprog]

In Arizona we (average, everyday, civilian Joes) can use "deadly physical force" against someone

We heard. At least you have year round sunshine.

to protect ourselves, our families, unacquianted third parties, and even property. You can shoot an arsonist or a burgler, even if it isn't your place being robbed.

Plus, we no longer need a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

That's it, I'm moving to Arizona.

 

[westprog]

Explain how that's objective.



Now explain how values are objective, if the alternative to moral objectivity is "a value-free universe".

It's clearly not objective. However, saying that it therefore doesn't exist is entirely contrary to our experience. We know that all outcomes aren't of equal value. We are value-creating beings. We can't help it. No matter how much we might claim that it really doesn't matter whether we have a toothache, we know that it does.

 

[Piscivore]

It's clearly not objective. However, saying that it therefore doesn't exist is entirely contrary to our experience. We know that all outcomes aren't of equal value. We are value-creating beings. We can't help it.

Ah, okay, I see what you're saying.

 

[dlorde]

I like the Wikipedia definition:

Evil is the intention of causing harm or destruction, specifically from the perception of deliberately violating some moral code

Given my religious upbringing, I tend to see it as rather a religious concept, and avoid using it , but for me it's a personal (subjective) judgement of the actions of another. I might think someone evil for seeming to deliberately hurt someone else, but I might revise my opinion given more information (and vice-versa).

 

[bottsranzee]

Evil will always triumph because good is dumb.

 

[JJM 777]

what it means to describe someone as 'evil'?

In most cases, it means you are exaggerating, evil is more profound and more evil than anyone around you whom you would describe as evil.