What is the essence of evil?
Philosophers have long debated this, with one perspective proposing that good and evil are relative, depending on a set of moral standards most members of a community agree on. These standards distinguish right from wrong, honor from disgrace, and justice from injustice. Those who knowingly disregard these standards or even deliberately act against them are considered evildoers. Of course, the next question is, who decides these moral standards? What happens when different communities' standards conflict?
Imagine a murderer who kills a frail child because he was convinced by a prophecy that the child would grow up to be a menace to all living beings, or a ruler who launches a world-engulfing war, leading to the death of countless soldiers and civilians, believing his rule would make the world a better place. In such extreme cases, how is evil defined?
