Are people evil by nature?

[gymtime]

(from a darwinian standpoint)the reason why we havn't destroyed ourselves is because we want to survive. so therefore we yield our domination to a colateral goal of civilization.


Just because there is organized crime doesn't make it any less illegal.

I don't think you can have it both ways like that. Evil is evil, if such a thing there be, and it doesn't consider species survival in it's actions. If evil is also selfish by definition, then evil people would be unable to simply "set aside" their natures, for any reason.

 

[katz]

People are inherently good. However, in the work environment it is survival of the fittest. Or shall I say survival of the quickest/deepest backstabber!! Ok, thats the way it was in my previous government job. I remember a newbie telling me ...oh you never say anything nasty about anyone. I mean whats the point I have better things to do with my time. I always praise good work to superiors.

 

[gymtime]

so what you are saying is living to the flesh is not considered evil by definition.

It would be alot easier if you defined what evil is.. Because it is either relative or it isn't...we need a foundation in order to make progress.

If you yourself cannot even define what evil is then how can you have an argument either way?

Very difficult to define because it is, of course, relative. To me, good and evil, God and Satan, whatever, reside solely in the hearts of men, no where else. Money, guns, torture devices, Crazier's sexual aids are not good or evil; they are just things. Good and evil reside in the souls who weild them.

I guess my point is, as to the original question, that if people were truly inherently evil, then survival would be impossible, regardless of the will to survive. I think pure, short-sighted hubris would ultimately override that will.

 

[Franco C]

If you take away an establishment of law, conceptual idealistic myth such as good and evil simply doesn't exist. Strip all the morals of the average citizen and there you have it. Laws determine what is good and evil; which is why people act accordingly to them. Without them you are you and you should never be ashamed of your nature.

 

[gymtime]

There are too many questions that need to be answered by science before I can agree with you.

Far too much philosophy involved in this for science to ever answer completely, IMO. But for now, just agree with me or I'll kill you!!!

 

[visions]

I think people are born pure, and innocent with a good heart.

Psychological events and our environment shape us to become what we are today.

 

[buddy28]

most people are apathetic. Complacency does a great job explaining the current state of the world.

Most people would say complancency is root of all evil. And i would agree.


"evil spreads when good men do nothing""

 

[big4life]

I think that there are some genetic freaks out there, who have no idea of the difference between good and evil. Maybe it is because of a missing chromosome or maybe an extra one, I don't know.

For the most part I think that people are good. Sometimes we lose track of what that is, but deep down I think there is goodness in everyone.

 

[spongebob]

yes, and also by nurture.

 

[toga22]

I think people are born pure, and innocent with a good heart.

Psychological events and our environment shape us to become what we are today.

I totallly agree!! Being evil is an acquired or learned trait.

~toga