Can an act or actions of an individual be evil?

[Whirlysplat]

I know some smart arse is going to say Evil is something that is subjective. Blah, Blah, Blah. Aren't some things though so bad that they transcend cultural boundaries. Like genocide etc. So can an act from some one like Hitler be considered anything less than evil?

 

[Superman79]

Nope. Evil being subjective is bunk. Often times, especially with the examples you seem to be alluding to Whirly, there is a distinct right and wrong. Hitlers actions ultimatly were evil. Genocide, infantcide, etc. are evil. nuff'said

 

[turtlefocker]

Yes but that dosent mean the person is evil. Although Hitler is probably the personification of evil to most people.

 

[Whirlysplat]

Nope. Evil being subjective is bunk. Often times, especially with the examples you seem to be alluding to Whirly, there is a distinct right and wrong. Hitlers actions ultimatly were evil. Genocide, infantcide, etc. are evil. nuff'said

I'm with you, but i'm sure some people will disagree. Slavery would be something else I think any right thinking person would consider evil. We shall see though.

 

[bullets]

i think hitler was in a position to do something wrong and it was an easy way to get his people to rally behind him . i dont think hitler is the personification of evil . he isnt the most evil human being ever to walk the earth.

 

[turtlefocker]

i think hitler was in a position to do something wrong and it was an easy way to get his people to rally behind him . i dont think hitler is the personification of evil . he isnt the most evil human being ever to walk the earth.

Vlad the impaler was pretty ****ing evil too...

 

[Matt]

Look at that news article about the grown man who raped the 2 month old baby. Then tell me there isn't evil.

 

[bell110]

Uh, yeah

 

[Whirlysplat]

i think hitler was in a position to do something wrong and it was an easy way to get his people to rally behind him . i dont think hitler is the personification of evil . he isnt the most evil human being ever to walk the earth.

I think when talking about truly evil actions it is impossible to say one is more evil than another. Genocide wherever it my be on racial terms is surely evil. Isn't it?

 

[Superman79]

Yes but that dosent mean the person is evil. Although Hitler is probably the personification of evil to most people.

Fair enough, but I counter with these tidbits that essentially encompass the same sentiment:

"Actions speak louder than words"
"It's not who you are on the inside, but what you DO that defines you."

Basically, we think of Hitler as a sign of evil, or an evil person, do to the very acts he did. That is often how we find/label evil people is their actions reflect on their person.

 

[bullets]

I think when talking about truly evil actions it is impossible to say one is more evil than another. Genocide wherever it my be on racial terms is surely evil. Isn't it?

yes the act of genocism or killing without provocation is evil . it also depends on how you carry out certain acts. if you never fire a bullet you cant be the most evil human being out there.

 

[Superman79]

Look at that news article about the grown man who raped the 2 month old baby. Then tell me there isn't evil.

Boy I hope that was in TX, so they can be put to death properly.

If nothing else I'd be happy to slit their throats with a dull rusty razorblade if they're looking for volunteers. That just makes me wanna puke.

 

[ShadowBoxing]

Whirlyspat, no offense man, stop making threads devoted to every errant thought you have during the day. You already have the "What's wrong according to you" thread, this one was just unnecessary.

 

[bullets]

Look at that news article about the grown man who raped the 2 month old baby. Then tell me there isn't evil.

that might be more evil than genocide , its also the sickest thing ive ever heard

 

[The Original Bamfer]

Whirlyspat, no offense man, stop making threads devoted to every errant thought you have during the day.

 

[bullets]

but this thread is EVIL

 

[Superman79]

but this thread is EVIL

meh, so's your mom, but we don't complain...

(sorry, couln't resist the "your mom" joke)

 

[Whirlysplat]

Whirlyspat, no offense man, stop making threads devoted to every errant thought you have during the day. You already have the "What's wrong according to you" thread, this one was just unnecessary.

If you don't like the thread, don't post in it.

Back to topic.

 

[Whirlysplat]

that might be more evil than genocide , its also the sickest thing ive ever heard

Whilst it is certainly an evil act. I would say the systematic destruction of another racial group, aiming to exterminate them completely was far more evil.

 

[turtlefocker]

Do you think you're evil or good...

 

[Wilhelm-Scream]

Nope. Evil being subjective is bunk. Often times, especially with the examples you seem to be alluding to Whirly, there is a distinct right and wrong. Hitlers actions ultimatly were evil. Genocide, infantcide, etc. are evil. nuff'said

There are a lot of people in the world who disagree with you.

Hitler didn't think he was Evil. He thought he was a brave, strong leader trying to rescue the world from destruction and decay.
Lots of people find reasons that infanticide is a good thing, over population, deformity, etc.

So aren't you saying, that, since it's "evident" that some things are Evil no matter what anyone says, and they disagree with you...that the final arbiter and judge and decision-maker about what is Evil and what is not is.............Superman79 ?

And how did you come by such lofty authority?

 

[bullets]

Whilst it is certainly an evil act. I would say the systematic destruction of another racial group, aiming to exterminate them completely was far more evil.

it is worse , its easier to order an army to kill people and turn your evil cheek than it is to do something like that to a baby

 

[Whirlysplat]

Do you think you're evil or good...

I certainly don't think I would have the capacity to perform a truly evil act like genocide. I think we all have bits of darkness in us. Although most of us have an underlying morality which I am not even sure is truly driven by socialisation. In answer to your question. Could I act like Hitler given the opportunity? I would have to say, no, I don't think I could!

 

[Why Are You Crouching Spock?]

Yes.

 

[Whirlysplat]

it is worse , its easier to order an army to kill people and turn your evil cheek than it is to do something like that to a baby

I think scale means no, it's not, you are free to disagree but attempting to erradicate whole races seems more evil to me than a single heinous action.