What do we mean when we use the word "evil," exactly?

Answer 1

Evil is to Good as Cavity is to Teeth.

Answer 2

If you want a brilliant, thorough, and innovative answer to this question, check out Friedrich Nietzsche's "On the Genealogy of Morals". The first essay is centered on the idea of "Good and Evil" compared with the idea of "Good and Bad". I don't think there is a better starting point if you want to contend seriously with this question.

To answer the given question directly....

People in general use the word evil when they want to denote an action that 'crosses the line' between behavior that society generally does not respect (she is a bad kid for skipping school and smoking marijuana all day) and behavior that has conscious, malicious intent towards another (that man is evil for torturing animals all day for fun). Evil generally has a quality that makes someone appear unredeemable in the eyes of society, such that evil persons require punishment, while we are more likely to sympathize with simply 'bad' people and say they need help.

Another generally accepted feeling is that 'evil' people or governments need to be fought with, gone to war with, becuase there is nothing that can stop the defective sense of morality with which they operate. Evil does not listen to reason, nor can be cured by love.

One more thought: Good or bad people both seem to have a sense of 'morality' - only they differ on what they personally believe is either 'good' or 'bad'. Evil people, however, have no sense of morality at all - they do what is 'unquestionably' bad.

Note: This is not what I personally think - I am only answering the question of what do people in general mean when they use the word 'evil'.

Answer 3

There is good, there is bad, and then there's evil...
Evil, in my opinion, is acts done beyond the limits of humanity and human reasons. For example, shooting someone is bad, but ripping out one's tonsels, poking out the eyes, and leaving the person to bleed to death is evil. But then again, evil can also be someone who we hate and fight so hard to avoid to become. For example, I can be EVIL (without killing anyone) by doing something beyond my reasons. Like saying something mean or cruel.
What exactly do we mean when we use the word "evil"?? I don't know, nor do I think anyone does exactly. The more important question to ask is, "What do YOU mean when YOU use the word evil?

Answer 4

Various cultures through-out history have all had different definitions of what is 'evil'. Most are very shallow, & consider anything that causes them to suffer or give-up something they value, as 'evil'. For example the wolf that steals a sheep form a sheppard or farm. THe wolf is labeled evil, but isnt the sheppard equally responsible in that it failed to protect the sheep? if the wolf had a easier way to get a meal, it probably would do that instead.
If you objectively criticize both, things that are called 'good' & 'evil', you are left with very little that can truely be label as 1 or the other.

Answer 5

Those religious people who come knocking on your door at 7am on Saturday mornings.. With their bibles, and their leaflets in hand.. Ties tied to perfection.. Those crisp white over starched shirts clinging to their pasty and wasting away skin..
Their lips pealing away from perfectly white teeth into a contorted smile as you open the door.. Thinking for a moment they might have a chance.. Just one chance to convert your mental well being into something of a poppet!
... And as you close the door and feel the overwhelming need to shower due to the moral afflictions that have been swimming over your head..

THAT is the moment you know true evil!

Answer 6

I think in general we use the word evil in our own perception as what we believe is horrible and unacceptable behavior. To me, Michael Vick is evil because of what he did to dogs, and thats because I love dogs - maybe other people don't think that.

I also think that people who wish ill-will on others are evil, and I mean wishing things like homelessness, ill health, marital problems (I have a brother who I think is evil because he wishes nasty things on me all the time).

Answer 7

It's the end of the week,starting with Saturday,because Saturday is the last day of the week,and Sunday is just starting the week,because Sunday is the first day of the week,not Monday (Monday would be the second day of the week) So your brother is right,you are wrong.You see what I'm catching onto?

Answer 8

Hillary Clinton, Rosie O'Donnell

Answer 9

I always think of someone who is mean to children, but evil is the opposite of good.

Answer 10

Barbara Striesand, Martha Stewart, and Rachel Ray.