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'''Good and evil''' are two opposite concepts describing actions that are [[moral]] ([[good]]) and those that are not ([[evil]]). The idea that good and evil exist is the opposite view to [[moral relativism]], which contends that there are no such things as absolute good and evil, and that the prevailing moral code in any society is merely a set of ultimately arbitrary conventions.

'''Good and evil''' are two opposite concepts describing actions that are [[moral]] ([[good]]) and those that are not ([[evil]]). The idea that good and evil exist is the opposite view to [[moral relativism]] (see [[postmodernism]]), which contends that there are no such things as absolute good and evil, and that the prevailing moral code in any society is merely a set of ultimately arbitrary conventions.

Most [[religion]]s include a belief in the dichotomy of good and evil, often represented by two opposing figures such as [[God]] and the [[devil]]. Good can then be defined as anything in accordance with God's will. [[Zoroastrianism]] has a claim to be the first religion to frame morality in these terms, but it is also a cornerstone of [[Christianity]], [[Islam]] and many other faiths. However, even within a religion where it is agreed that good and evil exist, discerning the difference between the two in specific cases tends to prove problematic. In ''World Scripture'' we read:

Most [[religion]]s include a belief in the dichotomy of good and evil, often represented by two opposing figures such as [[God]] and the [[devil]]. Good can then be defined as anything in accordance with God's will. [[Zoroastrianism]] has a claim to be the first religion to frame morality in these terms, but it is also a cornerstone of [[Christianity]], [[Judaism]], [[Islam]] and many other faiths. However, even within a religion where it is agreed that good and evil exist, discerning the difference between the two in specific cases tends to prove problematic. In ''World Scripture'' we read:

{{cquote|How can we define what is good and what is evil? Are there universal indicators behind, within, or consequent upon an action by which one can determine whether it was a good or an evil act? How can one tell whether a person is good or evil? The scriptures of the world's religions provide a variety of answers to these questions.<ref>[http://www.unification.net/ws/theme058.htm World Scripture - Good and Evil]</ref>}}

{{cquote|How can we define what is good and what is evil? Are there universal indicators behind, within, or consequent upon an action by which one can determine whether it was a good or an evil act? How can one tell whether a person is good or evil? The scriptures of the world's religions provide a variety of answers to these questions.<ref>[http://www.unification.net/ws/theme058.htm World Scripture - Good and Evil]</ref>}}

Some [[humanist]] schools of thought also acknowledge the existence of good and evil, although in the absence of a [[divine]] will it can be harder to explain their origin. Good may be defined as anything which produces [[happiness]], or which avoids [[suffer|suffering]], or which advances the goals of [[society]].

Some [[humanist]] schools of thought also acknowledge the existence of good and evil, although in the absence of a [[divine]] will it can be harder to explain their origin. Good may be defined as anything which produces [[happiness]], or which avoids [[suffer|suffering]], or which advances the goals of [[society]].

[[Category:Morality]]

 

* [[Moral relativity]]

== References ==

== References ==

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