DB 14 What is Evil?

What is “Evil”? First, define what you consider evil to be. Consider a counterexample to your response. How might you improve your definition? You might consider some of the initial work on this presented in the Slide Show Lecture: “What is X?” (See Unit 2 Modules)
 
Second, address this question: How can there be evil in the universe, when a perfect being who is omni-benevolent (in the sense that it would eliminate evil as best it could) and all-powerful (in the sense that it can do anything) created the universe? (i.e. How can evil or something imperfect come from a perfect being?)

Note: If “evil” is holding you up on answering the second question, then merely refer to evil as “imperfection” (or “suffering” or “error”).

Note: If you argue for the rather short solution that a “perfect being does not exist”, then mention this point and instead answer this: What secular (i.e., non-religious) explanation is there for evil? (i.e., human suffering and imperfection) Why is the universe imperfect or why does it seem so?

DB 14 What is Evil?

I would define evil as the intentional act of inflicting harm or pain to others. So there are two factors here: intentionality and harm.

A counterexample is that when a person shouted burglary and someone responded and attacked the burglar seeing him about to flee the scene, those who attack the burglar can be said to inflict intentional harm. Yet, they are not evil because they somewhat protect the victim of burglary.

So, I would define evil as the intentional act of inflicting harm or pain to others that goes against moral principles.