good and evil? which is which???

Question

ok...this was bugging me and a good friend
how do we know that evil isn't trully good? i know..dumb question...but think about it. how do we know, that some higher force (i am not saying God, just a random higher force) brainwashed our minds or something to make us believe that what we do is good, when in reality, its evil? how do u we not know that the evil ones are the ones doing the good?
i know this sounds like a dumb question and all, but i want to see different views...and please..no bible passages..

ok, yes i know that it would take a powerful force to brainwash...everyone, but, also, isn't a leap of faith to believe in something that u can't see? (nothing against it..just saying)

eurostarlet...well, my brain packed up and left on vactation a LONG time ago, lol. it doesn't seem to want to return...hm..it must like mexico...

great...crct2004 got me thinking again...ok, how can good be good, when so many bad things have been done in the name of good? so doesn't that make good bad and bad good, or the other way around...i need to stop thinking so much...(u don't need to answer this part...just so u know..y i'm posting it then? i'm hyped up on caffiene..that's my excuse)

Answer 1

I don't think it is a dumb question....
just some things we'll never know in this lifetime I guess.

when the cow eats the grass the cow thinks good.. what does the grass think?
when the fly bites the cow for and drinks it meal the fly thinks good.. what does the cow think?
when the cow swats the fly with its tail the cow again thinks good.. what does the fly think..

when we eat a hamburger we thing good... what does the cow think?

if you were somehow instantaneously changed to a cow, retaining your current knowledge, what would you do? and what do you think would be "good" for you to do about that fence surrounding you?
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Answer 2

Think of this, what are the end results of the actions of people doing good vs. evil? Say somebody killed your loved one, just for one example. What is the result of that, do you feel good about their actions? Do you have positive thoughts toward that person? Whatever you think is really "good" or really "evil," isn't a big part of your reality perception? If something appears to be evil and the results are horrific, than isn't that thing evil? If something happens good and it makes you feel good and is good for everyone else, than it is probably a good thing. When you think about things that are considered wrong or evil universally, there is probably a good reason for that. Murder, stealing, rape, hurting a child, things like that. If you want to think those things are good, you better rethink your point of view. Very reluctantly, I paraphrase a Bible verse that says you will know if a tree is good or bad by its fruit.

Answer 3

Many people seem to regard evil is a 'thing'... something that has some form of corporeal existence in the physical universe. In that sense, evil does NOT exist.

Evil 'exists' only as an abstract concept... one that is 'dualistic' in nature. 'Evil' cannot 'exist' without 'good'. They are the two sides of the same coin, in the Yin/Yang sense. One cannot 'exist' without the other; neither can be defined or described except in terms of the other.

Good/evil is further abstracted in the sense that it represents a 'judgement'... not a 'thing'. As a judgement, good/evil is wholly subjective, since it relies entirely upon the 'criteria' that is employed in making the judgement.

So, the real issue is not good/evil per se... rather it is the criteria that people use in making their judgements of good/evil.

Since we are pretty much all wired the same, and share pretty much the same cultural values in a larger sense, we usually find ourselves on common ground when we judge questions such as "Was Hitler evil?", since we can agree on the criteria. However, we should realize that if Hitler had been asked the question "Are you evil?", he most certainly would have been thoroughly offended by the very idea. According to HIS criteria, he would have seen his actions as good, for his people and for 'The Fatherland'.

When we get down to subtler questions, where someone's 'criteria' might depend upon interpretation of a particular bible verse, for example, these kinds of judgements can get a little stickier.

Remember, though... it's not really about good/evil, it's really about criteria... which ultimately comes down to one's moral compass.

Answer 4

Good and Evil are concepts brought forth by the collective will of the higher self within a given social expression. We decided what is good, and what is evil, based on the impact it has on the survival of the society, or the advancement of a social order towards a given goal.

Answer 5

This is not a dumb question, but an excellent question. There has been so much harm done in the name of good. I am thinking that this is one of the best questions ever posted, and you have given me something to really think about. I hope you get a good answer.

Answer 6

Define the Words GOOD and EVIL and you will have your answer.

We are born with the knowledge of right and wrong. All over the world cultures change but morals stay consistant.
Its all clearly outlined in that book you dont want to hear about.

Answer 7

I'll pass on what ever you were on when you had an Epiphany on good and evil. However, brainwashing hmmmm. Good is helping evil is very bad. You know, "You take the good, you take the bad, and there you have the facts of life."

Answer 8

Good and evil is relative.

We see this in our own society.

Murder vs Death Penalty for example.

Whats good for one society is evil to another. Look at the religious practices of the Aztecs (human sacrifice) and those of modern religions. What was good then would be evil today.

There is no absolute good or evil. Its an illusion along with religion itself.

Answer 9

WARNING OF RIGHTS
1. You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Do you understand?
2. Anything you do say may be used against you in a court of law. Do you understand?
3. You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future. Do you understand?
4. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish. Do you understand?
5. If you decide to answer questions now without an attorney present you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney. Do you understand?
6. Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?

Answer 10

It must be some really strong force to brainwash all the people in the world