Does evil exist?

[La Dolce Vita]

You need to define the meaning of the question first. Are you referring to "evil" supernatural forces, or people making choices that to your or mine moral system would qualify as thoroughly bad, inexcusable, etc?

If the first, that's a rather absurd notion that would need a lot of empirical evidence (not to mention definitions we could all agree upon).

If the latter, of course it exists. The face(s) of evil will depend on the morality system of the on-looker, but as long as you define a term properly, and what you define it as exists, of course it exists.

[ApostateLois]

If you mean do evil deeds exist, then certainly. I'd say that raping children is evil. Torture and slavery are regarded as evil in most societies, but it wasn't always so, and in some places it still isn't.  We all agree murder is evil, right? But if you kill lots of people who are all trying to kill you, then we call it war and it's okay to murder each other. I guess it's consensual murder then. Whatever, the point is that our definition of what is evil and what is good is not objective. It changes with the times and according to who is doing what to whom and for what reasons. Even the Bible indicates as much. You won't find the phrase "objective morality" in the Bible. The Bible isn't about morality, it's about obeying God without question. Things are good or bad simply because God says they are, and if he changes his mind, that is his business. His worshipers are not required to think about it, only to obey.

[GSOgymrat]

An evil act or person or deed is that what results in harm to the well-being of others and cause suffering.

I'm of the same mind. I don't agree that good and evil are prescribed by God or other external agent: that not honoring your mother and father is evil because God said so. I believe in assessment of actions and consequences based on how actions affect suffering. Good actions result in consequences which minimize suffering to people and other life and maximize well-being, joy and freedom. We can't always predict with certainty the results of our actions but some actions always result in bad consequences-- rape, slavery, child abuse are a few that come to mind. These actions that  intentionally cause suffering and distress I would say are evil. This is why rape is always evil, it is an action which is inherently dehumanizing and always produces suffering, and therefore rape was evil 1000 years ago, it is evil now and would be so in the future, regardless of cultural context.

[Munch]

A flood or tornado causes destruction and death, but is not evil unless God causes them, then He is evil. If a person does the same they are evil, and if an all powerful God doesn't stop them then He is evil too.  Solitary

god is theists ways of explaining away tragic events they have no control over. Its the same reaction when ancient cavemen discovered fire and got burnt, probably even prayed to the fire demon.

[no-excuses]

As a matter of fact, there shouldn't be any need to define evil or question it's existence because what we need to know is quite different from definition or reasons of existence. What we need to know is to live in peace and harmony together, If we were successful in doing that we will defeat the evil whatever it is. Philosophical questions are always interesting but not rational sometimes at least for ordinary  people. It fucks your brain up literally, so I suggest to stop this thread and let it rest in peace.
On another hand and on a most interesting topic, you guys know about this new trend of thigh gap, it is driving girls crazy everywhere, check it out it is pretty nasty.

Thank you.

[the_antithesis]

If you wish to learn about evil, I suggest you read this book:

[spoiler]

Although, you probably won't get what I'm saying.[/spoiler]