|
Rahz
Alive Again



Registered: 11/10/05
Posts: 9,248
|
Re: Psychological study on the potential for evil in people [Re: Bernackums]
#9482870 - 12/23/08 11:56 AM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
|
|
Quote:
Evil is a [subjective] categorization, not malevolence.
Yes evil is subjective, but that doesn't mean nothing/anything can be said about it. The word is to general and psychiatry already has it's hands full, but the point is to examine the subjective evidence for contemplative purposes.
I think it wouldn't be far off the mark to equate malevolence, spite, ill will, etc. with evil. I also propose that these desires to cause harm to self and others, is born from guilt. Guilt is also subjective, dealing with feelings of being wrong/bad.
This subjective nature does not prevent people from acting on it. People feel guilty, and shameful, and they act on these feelings in ways which perpetuate and deepen them, rather than bringing resolution to them. This is not dependent on the existence of religion. It is fear and imagination, sure, but not all fear and imagination results in feelings of guilt and shame. Without this component, the confusion can not be perpetuated to the point of hatred for life.
So, evil doesn't really exist, yet it is a true illusion. People believe they (or others) are wrong/bad (guilty) and either work it out, or accept the faulty judgment and act through that. Without the assumption of guilt, religion as it stands would never have had a chance.
-------------------- rahz comfort pleasure power love truth awareness peace "You’re not looking close enough if you can only see yourself in people who look like you." —Ayishat Akanbi
|
Veritas

Registered: 04/15/05
Posts: 11,089
|
Re: Psychological study on the potential for evil in people [Re: deCypher]
#9483206 - 12/23/08 12:57 PM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
|
|
Quote:
deCypher said: If moral concepts signify what is best for social cohesion of the tribe as a whole, then doesn't it make sense to attempt to legislate these concepts?
Some moral concepts are based upon ancient rules which fostered social cohesion and survival. Many, many, MANY other moral concepts are based in hatred, fear, xenophobia, discrimination, etc...
Having laws which support survival, protect individual rights and well-being, promote sustainable living practices, and so on makes practical sense. There is no need to moralize about these laws, which is why I prefer a pragmatic basis for legislation.
Any and all legislation which promotes discrimination, oppression, hatred, fear, poverty, or which undermines individual rights in cases where no harm to others will occur, is NOT pragmatic. Many religious leaders justify such legislation as being in accordance with "God's Law" and appeal to morality or "family values."
If the answer to "Why should this be a law?" is "Because God said so," count me out. Separation of church and state is imperative.
|
Psilosyth
Tangible Enigma


Registered: 06/22/10
Posts: 10
Loc: Australia
Last seen: 11 years, 7 months
|
Re: Psychological study on the potential for evil in people [Re: Bernackums]
#13192637 - 09/14/10 02:14 AM (13 years, 5 months ago) |
|
|
Well said.
|
|