Are people inherently evil?

[palou]

Aeolus451 said:

palou said:

These general rules are established by our emotions (which, in turn, serve to our collective survival). Just because we, as humans, feel that way, does not mean that it is an objective truth. 

 

If you want to name anything objectively evil, I require you to give a precise definition evil - we can, then, make a list of what applies, and what doesn't. 

No, they are not. They are established by reasoned thoughts and logic. Yes, they are usually common sense kind of things like don't steal or basically don't hurt others for unjust reasons. Emotions or emotional responses are for the most part are just a knee-jerk reaction to stimuli and a way for nature to ensure we form attachments to our young and to the people we care about. Emotions do give people an incentive or motivation of sorts but that's not how we created language or build society. Our emotions do not rule us, it's through reason that at least for most of us is how we decide to. 

I already gave my two cents on what I think evil and good really are in my post earlier in this thread. Your welcome to read it. I did create quasi list of things or type of people I think are evil. 

Ah yes, selfishness and selflessness are intersting principles, that I have considered myself. The problem I see with it is, however, that for all purposes everything we do ends up being inherintly, purely selfish in some way or form. We form bonds, which inspire desire to keep OUR people safe, because it makes us happier. 

 

Take the classic train dilemma, the train is heading towards someone you car, tied to the track, but you can choose to pull a lever to make it crush several other people instead

 

http://www.allthetests.com/quiz31/picture/pic_1416409939_5.jpg?1436189258

 

Many people would be tempted to do so - for reasons which can only be described as selfish. We hold desires benefitting others, following those desires doesn't make you selfless. No one is selfless, we just follow our desires, which have various residual impact upon others, to varying degrees of success.

 

I'll get back to you on all of this tommorow, it's a topic I've thought about quite a bit myself, but it's getting a bit late now...