Single Idea 20162

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / j. Evil]

Full Idea

Four inadequate explanations of human evil attribute it to natural causes, moral monsters, uncharacteristic actions, and corrupting social conditions.

Gist of Idea

Evil isn't explained by nature, by monsters, by uncharacteristic actions, or by society

Source

John Kekes (The Human Condition [2010], 06.3)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'The Human Condition' [OUP 2010], p.122


A Reaction

He is addressing the 'secular problem of evil', which arises if you assume that human beings are essentially good, and then look around you. He says evil explains corrupting social conditions, so we can't be circular about it.