Difference between revisions of "Good and evil"
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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]]. [[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, defining exactly what constitutes each one 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]]. [[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, defining exactly what constitutes each one 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>}} | |
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 [[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 [[suffering]], or which advances the goals of [[society]]. | ||
[[Category:Morality]] | [[Category:Morality]] | ||
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| + | == References == | ||
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Revision as of 15:13, December 8, 2008
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.
Most religions include a belief in the dichotomy of good and evil, often represented by two opposing figures such as God and the devil. 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, defining exactly what constitutes each one tends to prove problematic. In World Scripture we read:
| “ | 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.[1] | ” |
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 suffering, or which advances the goals of society.