1 part evil + 2 parts situation = 1 good

[Fishteacher73]

"The will does not choose between good and evil; it is its choice, rather, that makes it good or evil."--Karl Jaspers

An interesting quote (on my quote-a-day dothing on msn). Brings a new view to the concepts of good and evil, that it is relatavistic and situational.

Good and evil are only useful in groups. The concept is useless to the individual.

[bumab]

Ah, but only if you define "good and evil" as an extrinsic property of people. If you think good and evil are instrinsic properties, then one can certainly be a good or bad person without reference to other people.

[Buffy]

You'll be accused of moral relativism though by people who think morals are absolute and defined by a higher power. If you are alone in the forest and you smash a cute little bunny with a rock, you're not going to think there's anything wrong if you're hungry. If 50 million people watch you do it on Survivor, beware of the backlash of the animal rights activists no matter what, but lots of other people if Mark Burnnett edits out the "you're hungry" part. Good and evil are not only based on group standards but also actual perceptions of the event that causes the judgement.

Also, even if you've already read it, read Melville's "Billy Budd": as far as I'm concerned its the best counter proof to those who think that the difference between good and evil is clear cut and standards of punishment should not be judged based on specific situations.

Cheers,
Buffy