- Question
Does "pure evil" exist?
The concept of "pure evil" has been an inexhaustible source of debate across philosophical, psychological, social, and religious communities. Definitions of "pure evil" vary, but most tend to include the stipulation that it describes an action that causes suffering and is performed for the sake of causing that suffering.
Yes, "pure evil" does exist
This position holds that pure evil is part of human reality: some acts are done for the sake of the suffering they cause rather than from need, fear or belief, and that intention marks a distinct category which explanation does not dissolve.
No, "pure evil" does not exist
This position holds that pure evil is a concept people have invented rather than something found in the world. On this view every act has a history that explains it, and the label marks where enquiry stopped rather than a kind of act.