Why Does Evil Exist?

Evil: the question of why evil exists has a simple, yet infinitely complicated answer. It exists because we exist. Nature and nurture serve to shape the opinions, thoughts, feelings, and actions of each individual person on the planet. From these interactions, the notions of what defines right and wrong are created. From that, comes the concepts of good and evil. For one to exist, the other must also exist. For something to be good or right, there must be an existing standard for what we know is bad and evil. These terms are to be determined by ourselves, not by what society tells us. There are some things we agree are good, such as giving and being kind to each other. Some terms are universally evil such as murder and lies. Yet, other things still exist in this world that people cannot agree whether it is good or evil. Nevertheless, without the use of doctrine from a higher power, we attempt to define and negotiate such terms of what is good and evil based on the world and the people around us. Because these two exist, that is where the concept of free will comes into play. In that, human beings overall have the option to live their lives full of such goodness or darkness. However, with any choice comes consequences, good and bad, for any situation. In the topic of good and evil, the consequences of living your life one way or another include eternal life in Heaven or eternal damnation in Hell. In other words, you are choosing whether you want to suffer or to not suffer. Life is full of choices and each choice you make ultimately decides your fate; however, it is possible to turn one’s life around and change that fate. Something that can potentially help bring some sense of peace and avoid any conflict is what society calls a social contract. The concept of a social contract was created by the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This became popular throughout the 16,17, and 18th centuries and would be beneficial especially today. Given how challenging it has become in agreeing on what categorizes as good and evil, a social contract could potentially bring a majority towards more agreement. In all, the answer as to why evil exists is both simple and complex given how each person has differing opinions of what qualifies as good and evil. In conclusion, evil continues to exist because good persists in the world. Both of these are predicted on us making social contracts to live harmoniously with each other. Complex beings constantly attempting to navigate the world.