How to Know Good from Evil

Last Updated: December 2, 2021

Ever wondered how people can be good or evil? For some, the answer is found in holy texts, like the Bible. Others don’t look to God and prefer to dig deep into philosophy, or logic to figure out how to tell the difference between good and evil. If you want to explore this interesting and complex question, we’re here to help.

Steps

1
Realize that good and evil are points of view and while your own opinion matters, there are some universals. "Think of a country where people were admired for running away in battle, or where a man felt proud of double-crossing all the people who had been kindest to him. You might as well imagine a country in where two and two made five." --C.S. Lewis
2
Recognize both points of view. There are subjectivists, who believe that each person can determine "good" and "evil" for himself. There are objectivists, who believe in a universal concept of Good and Evil. Good and Evil can be discussed independent of religion, so both the religious and the atheistic can be found in both viewpoints. Which do you identify with? Why?
3
Do your homework! Uncounted philosophers and religionists have taught and debated Good and Evil, Right and Wrong, and other topics. Read up on the topic, see what others have said, and decide whether you agree or disagree.
4
Think about how you or your culture views right and wrong. In general "evil" people do "wrong" things and "good" people do "right" things. Christianity, for example, puts emphasis on treating others the way you would have them treat you. But remember that each culture, to an extent, holds different opinions on what is right and wrong.
5
Write your views on good and bad down, then analyze them, rethink what truly is right and wrong. Then, when you're satisfied with your list, define how many wrong actions it takes, or the severity of the action, to be declared "evil".
6
Discuss your ideas on morality with others. Discussing with others may change what you believe to be right and wrong.
7
Observe others and yourself, you would be surprised at the number of people that do "wrong" things everyday. Think about if wrong things can really be wrong if everyone does them.
8
Decide whether you want to be "good" or "evil", then do the things you wrote on your list that fits that category.

Community Q&A

Question

Why would someone consciously chose evil over good?

Community Answer

People who choose evil are often unhappy and try to manipulate others for their own selfish means.

Warnings

Do not assume you are not evil. Good and evil are points of view, what you may think is good, another may think is evil and vice versa.

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Always allow your ideas on morality to change.

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