Evil: The Nature and Speculation of Malice

What is evil?

Does evil truly exist?

What is the difference between evil and ordinary wrongdoing?

Are some people born evil?

 

Open one of Oxford University Press's most popular general introductions

and explore the definition of evil in the clearest way.

 

Shocking acts of depravity frequently occur.

Countless violent crimes and murders are constantly reported in the media.

Some acts are so horrific, crossing the line of ordinary offenses,

that people use the word "evil" to describe them.

 

However, where is the line between evil and ordinary wrongdoing?

What characteristics do these offenses possess that lead people to consider them "evil"?

What is unique about the motives and psychological states of those who commit evil acts?

What conditions must be met for someone to be considered evil?

 

This book explores whether evil is a fictitious fantasy or a real phenomenon,

drawing on history, fiction, real-life cases,

and various philosophical perspectives on evil.

It attempts to clarify the conditions that constitute evil acts

and investigates whether there is a unique psychological characteristic

that can clearly distinguish evil people from ordinary people.

 

After carefully considering the philosophical perspectives and psychological evidence behind evil,

you will have a clearer concept of what evil is.