Single Idea 17224

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

Full Idea

If the human mind had none but adequate ideas, it would form no notion of evil.

Gist of Idea

If our ideas were wholly adequate, we would have no concept of evil

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IV Pr 64)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.210


A Reaction

There is some sort of notion of the wholly rational and benign community here, where living well is the single communal thought. It's sort of true. Good people don't even think about wickedness.

Related Idea

Idea 519 One must avoid even speaking of evil deeds [Democritus (attr)]