Reply #4: I think there would still be evil actions, but we would handle them [View All]

[politicat]

differently.

Currently, we see behavior in terms of character, such that the actions of a person cannot be separated from their personalities, their philosophies and their drives. Thus, for example, we in the West characterize suicide bombers as evil, instead of viewing their actions as evil and destructive, and accepting that their motivations (freedom to believe as they please, freedom from dictatorship, freedom from oppressive, oil-seeking, multinational corporations, whatever) are responsible and their goals are reasonable.

I think we are unable to separate actions from motive and philosophy because the Religions of the Book, and especially orthodox Christianity, teach that personality, motivation and faith are linked, and behavior is but an outward expression of personality and faith.

If behavior and personality were separated, such that we defined actions, rather than people as good or evil, perhaps we would stand a better chance of understanding what motivates people to actions that can be described as evil.

Pcat