Objective Bad or Evil: Definitions and Ethics

Throughout history and across cultures, discussions about what is objectively bad or evil have sparked intense debates. In this article, we will explore various perspectives, including the historical beliefs of the contemporaries of Gotama Buddha, and delve into the core concepts that define evil.

Beliefs of Contemporaries of Gotama Buddha

To understand the historical context, it is important to look at the teachings of the contemporaries of Gotama Buddha. According to the Digha Nikaya Silakkhandha-vagga 1.2: Samannaphala Sutta DN 2, these beliefs provided a framework for understanding the nature of evil. Let's explore these teachings in detail:

Pain, Suffering: Eternal and incessant suffering is one of the core aspects of evil. This includes physical and emotional agony, which can be both immediate and long-lasting. Death, Deletion: The annihilation of existence, whether physical or spiritual, is considered an extreme form of evil. Danger, Threatening, Peril: The presence of danger and threats to one's well-being are natural components of evil. Terror, Fear, Paranoia: The feelings of fear, anxiety, and constant vigilance are closely related to evil. Destruction, Loss, Deformity: The destruction of one's security, property, relationships, and physical appearance fall under the category of evil. Anger, Malignance, Ill-Intent: The harboring of negative emotions and desires to cause harm are inherent in evil. Stupidity, Harm, Error: The repetition of actions leading to harm, even when aware of the potential consequences, is also evil. Confusion, Vertigo, Alienation, Hypnotism: The inability to perceive clearly and the feeling of disconnection from oneself and the world are aspects of evil. Worthlessness, Objective Non-Potential, Absolute Aesthetic Purposelessness or Crass Emotional Emptiness: The belief in a lack of meaning or purpose in life, both emotional and aesthetic, is considered a fundamental form of evil. Meaninglessness, Almost Absolute Symbolic Pointlessness, Tritteness, Insignificance: The perception of life as devoid of any profound meaning or value is another aspect of evil. Trivial Evil: Even seemingly minor forms of dishonesty or inconvenient results can be categorized under evil. Excessive Imperfection: Actions that are unnecessarily flawed or poorly executed fall under evil. Unforeseen Evil: These are evils that are currently unknown or considered unknowable, but may reveal themselves through other means.

Evil versus Bad: A Matter of Societal Norms

Evil and bad are interrelated but distinct concepts. While bad often refers to behaviors or actions that are harmful but may still be justifiable in certain contexts, evil represents pure negative intent and purpose. Here’s a breakdown:

Evil: Intent to harm others, pure and unmotivated by personal gain or survival.

For example, in some cultures, practices such as black magic might be considered a form of evil due to their perceived malicious intent, even though they may not align with the subjective morality of others.

Defining Good and Evil

To effectively discuss and understand evil, it is essential to define both the good and the evil. Defining good empirically can provide a clear baseline for measuring evil, which is often seen as the opposite of good. Here’s how we can define these terms:

Good: Actions or behaviors that promote well-being, happiness, and moral integrity. Evil: Actions or behaviors that intentionally cause harm, destruction, or suffering.

Ultimately, the criteria to determine whether something is good or evil depends on the societal norms and values of the individual or society in question.

Ethical Considerations

Ethics play a crucial role in understanding the nature of evil. Ethical frameworks provide guidelines for behavior and decision-making, helping individuals and societies distinguish between right and wrong.

Examples of Evil Behaviors

Abuse and Cruelty: Physical, emotional, and psychological abuse towards vulnerable individuals, such as animals, children, and those unable to protect themselves, is often considered the most inherent form of evil. Killing Animals for Sport: Hunting or killing animals purely for sport is often viewed as a morally questionable and potentially harmful behavior in certain societies.

In conclusion, the definitions of good and evil are deeply intertwined and depend heavily on societal norms and ethical frameworks. While evil is often associated with pure negative intent, bad behaviors may be tolerated or acceptable in certain contexts. Understanding these nuances is crucial for developing a comprehensive ethical perspective.