If the actor performs such actions any of the following:
1) with malicious intent even if such consequences do not result
2) without regard for others that could be impacted (unless due consideration is given to this with the conclusion that no others will be impacted) and resulting in unfavorable effects to those others
3) with the expectation of favorable consequences for a specific group in which the actor is included at the expense of a second group unless such consequences are necessary for the safety of group one from the consequences of ongoing actions of group two, such responsive actions must be within the scope of only seeking to prevent the malicious actions of group two.
4) under the guidance or coercion of another individual with expressed (to the actor) malevolent intentions.
Pure and simple stupidity. Only the stupid choose to be evil.
I am self-interested in survival. My survival depends upon the welfare and flourishing of others. We are all connected and we must look out for each other. It is in our best interest.
Even animals know this, but demons, who are monstrously stupid, are incapable of this realization.
I suppose that depends on what each one of thinks of as smart or stupid. And maybe that in turn depends at least somewhat on how far down the road you look.
…depends at least somewhat on how far down the road you look.
Well, a theist who believes in final reward/punishment (heaven/hell) may say that. Or a Buddhist who believes that a moral-karma-machines stings evil doers in the next life may think that.
But I hold neither of those nor any varient.
I see evil get a way with all sorts of stuff and never pay. I’d love to believe that ain’t true. But heck, there is lots of stuff I’d love to believe.
Do you think I meant, by “looking down the road”, belief in an afterlife then? That’s the first I’ve heard of my belief in an afterlife. Why wasn’t I informed of this?
You’re right, though. I should retract my statement. It’s poorly formulated at best and wrong at worse.
It’s always a good day that starts with someone you just met on the net assuming you are so intractable to reason that he must resort to cheap tricks to make you think. I appreciate and am charmed by the insult.
Any acts that thwart human flourishing. In more poetic terms, acts that snuff out the human spirit, such as oppression, exploitation, and unjust violence.
The opposite of Good.
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I’m forced to buy that as necessarily true. 😀
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I thought you might but a lot of people don’t get it.
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Malevolence. Depravity.
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Malevolence is kind of depraved to begin with, methinks.
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If the actor performs such actions any of the following:
1) with malicious intent even if such consequences do not result
2) without regard for others that could be impacted (unless due consideration is given to this with the conclusion that no others will be impacted) and resulting in unfavorable effects to those others
3) with the expectation of favorable consequences for a specific group in which the actor is included at the expense of a second group unless such consequences are necessary for the safety of group one from the consequences of ongoing actions of group two, such responsive actions must be within the scope of only seeking to prevent the malicious actions of group two.
4) under the guidance or coercion of another individual with expressed (to the actor) malevolent intentions.
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I especially like number 4. It prevents the old “I was just following orders” line.
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But it merely says: “Evil is doing evil for others”. Yawn!
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Pure and simple stupidity. Only the stupid choose to be evil.
I am self-interested in survival. My survival depends upon the welfare and flourishing of others. We are all connected and we must look out for each other. It is in our best interest.
Even animals know this, but demons, who are monstrously stupid, are incapable of this realization.
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I’m not prepared to say only the stupid choose evil, but I am prepared to say evil itself is stupid.
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Really??? I have seen very, very smart evil — sociopaths can be such a case. Stupidity has nothing to do with it, IMHO.
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I suppose that depends on what each one of thinks of as smart or stupid. And maybe that in turn depends at least somewhat on how far down the road you look.
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Well, a theist who believes in final reward/punishment (heaven/hell) may say that. Or a Buddhist who believes that a moral-karma-machines stings evil doers in the next life may think that.
But I hold neither of those nor any varient.
I see evil get a way with all sorts of stuff and never pay. I’d love to believe that ain’t true. But heck, there is lots of stuff I’d love to believe.
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Do you think I meant, by “looking down the road”, belief in an afterlife then? That’s the first I’ve heard of my belief in an afterlife. Why wasn’t I informed of this?
You’re right, though. I should retract my statement. It’s poorly formulated at best and wrong at worse.
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Nah, I knew you were a heathen so I thought if I aimed for the private parts, my point would be more clear. 😉
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It’s always a good day that starts with someone you just met on the net assuming you are so intractable to reason that he must resort to cheap tricks to make you think. I appreciate and am charmed by the insult.
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Ah shucks, dude, I was just kidding. I actually assumed you have great reasoning and have a fantastic sense of humor.
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I think I just crushed your theory I have a sense of humor.
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The willful infliction of unnecessary pain and/or suffering – mental or physical – on another sentient being.
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Excellent! I really like that one.
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“When good men do nothing.”
Obviously didn’t originate with me – but I choose to make it mine.
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I agree that evil needs no more encouragement than to have no opposition.
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Exploitation and deception.
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Good ones!
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Something I strongly dislike and want to see disappear and which, if labelled “evil” will get other people to agree with me. 🙂
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Not bad! That’s certainly to appearances the single most popular use of the word.
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Thank you. You understood.
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Any acts that thwart human flourishing. In more poetic terms, acts that snuff out the human spirit, such as oppression, exploitation, and unjust violence.
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I love your definition, Ahab. I think I’ll copy it into my journal and use it.
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