Evil

Evil is a term describing that which is regarded as morally bad, intrinsically corrupt, wantonly , , or wicked.

Debate over the proper use of the term evil

The definition of evil has engendered some debate, much like the term terrorism has. It has been said that evil is subjective, that one person's idea of evil can be another person's idea of good, much like one person's terrorist is a freedom fighter of another. The term is often used by people or groups against their enemies, largely to evoke a strong emotional response against the person or group. For example, this claim has been made by some critics of the U.S. President George W. Bush with regard to his labeling North Korea, Iraq, and Iran as part of an "Axis of Evil".

Related Topics:
Terrorism - George W. Bush - North Korea - Iraq - Iran - Axis of Evil

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Many critics reject the current common usage of the term evil, suggesting that motivation must be taken into account. Thus, they feel it is inappropriate to apply the term to just anyone committing significant acts of violence such as terrorism and mass murder. Only those people motivated by sadism, lust for power or greed of wealth (in many forms) should qualify as evil. That does not mean they think violent acts like terrorism and murder are acceptable, just that perpetrators of those acts should not automatically be labeled evil. Under such applications of the term evil, malicious juveniles and sadistic minors are classified as evil despite their misguided purposes.

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Some critics also feel the term evil is too closely linked with religion, particularly Christianity and Islam. Because of this they think the term should be avoided in political discussion, especially in reference to members of other religions or leaders. Tolerance is demanded in the Western view such as the United States with an increasing hostility towards Christian fundamental beliefs. The moral truth it stands on is the foundation of the law which established the very freedom to express freedom of choice in religion.

Related Topics:
Religion - Christianity

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It might be added that since use of the term evil to describe one's enemies is so comfortable that it removes all possibility of empathy and necessity for self-examination, its use usually indicates an absolutist or extremist attitude on the part of the user, regardless of his or her belief-system.

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