Good and evil

Everyday, people carry on with their lives knowing that there is both good and evil in the world. Some might distinguish the evil outweighing the good, while others spot the good outweighing the evil. Whichever side one might choose from this debate, it is natural that for humans to stop and wonder about humanity. A recurring controversy that crosses over a person's mind is whether humans are naturally and inherently good or, worse, they’re naturally and inherently evil. Society tends to lean on the idea that humans are selfish, in fact, 78% of the population believes others to be more selfish than they really are. Distinctly, one can determine that since none of the population can agree on whether or not humans are innately good or evil, we can visualize two opposing sides forming.…

Theodicy is a term which describes the problem with evil in the world and begs the question, if an all-knowing, all-powerful God exists, why does he allow evil to persist among his followers? This paper will seek to examine the relationship between good and evil and attempt to provide some explanation as to how evil continues to exist in a world in which God is a part of so many peoples’ lives. An argument will be made that evil thrives in modern society not because of any action that God fails…

really a positive influence on the youth of our society? When compared to an optimistic view such as the one in Kahlil Gibran’s poem, "Good and Evil", Lord of the Flies paints human nature as irrationally negative. Through the story’s plot and development of characters, Golding portrays humans as being innately evil without the restraints of society, whereas Gibran’s poem argues that humans are innately good and that evil is a complex and misunderstood grey area. Humans’ tendency towards good…

The Good and Evil in Our Life People can identity the difference between good and evil based on their nature. According to Samuel Johnson, education gives us the power to discern or see the good from the bad, and to “prefer” the good. We can see that a good person would volunteer with nonprofit organizations, donate money to charity, stand up for others, and help people without expectations. While an evil person would murder people for their possessions, hurt people, tell lies, take…

Framing reference based on simple word definition, the term “evil” is best described as “morally reprehensible; sinful, wicked, arising from actual or imputed bad character or conduct.” (Merriam Webster) However, this is simply a Standard Definition, and is thus excessively exclusive in nature. For that reason, it may also be characterized as a Qualifying Definition, though in either case the description is relatively direct and specific, leaving little to no room for further contemplation or…

Throughout Beowulf, the poet provides picturesque, almost unreal, images of landscapes and characters to embody the theme of good versus evil. In Beowulf, the poet utilizes imagery, as well as characters, to create a contrast between the forces of good and evil and create conflict. The poet uses Beowulf and Grendel to embody the forces of good and evil. Beowulf and Grendel each have characteristics that represent either force. Since Beowulf has many heroic characteristics, he is…

According to Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Iago is a “being next to the devil, only not quite the devil (Shaffer, 1968).” This opinion reads true for many as they delve into the world that is Othello. Shakespeare planted a character in Othello that readers will not soon forget. Unlike many Shakespearean plays, Shakespeare leaves out the aspect of magic and otherworldly things, and instead focuses on pure human evil and a tragedy (Bevington, 2014). Using Iago as an antagonist, he stuns readers…

Wilkie Collins once inquired, “The best men are not consistent in good-why should the worse men be consistent in evil?” Innate human nature has been a heated discussion among society for an extremely long time; are we born good or evil? In the novel The Lord of the Flies, the short story The Most Dangerous Game, and in another short story Thank You Ma’am Wilkie Collins’ inquiry is prominent in each text as characters display both traits of good and evil. People are good to the extent where…

Ever since that darn Grendel started to eat everyone, everything has gone to crap. When that sin-stained demon came, he started eating our men and there was nothing we could do our swords couldn’t pierce his tough skin. I don’t know what we should do. From across the sea came a group of men called the Geats. The men were lead by Beowulf walking around thinking he’s this hot shot, calling himself the “bravest and best of all Geats”. I think he’s the most arrogant and self center pig that thinks…

Good and evil, the two things that sit on your shoulders. Evil is the opposite of good. It is defined as profoundly immoral and malevolent. Many factors go into determining how one may define this word. Isiah 5:20 says, “Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.” Someone may not recognize evil and have been raised through evil acts but it does not make it better. Each reader has to…