RegularJoe
Senior Member
In general, do atheists believe that evil exists? Thanks.
Thanks Newt ... thenI believe in both because it is a state of mind. What I don't believe is that someone else controls that.
It is a perception until one acts on that perception to make it reality.evil is a perception and not a reality?
I don't see any reason to believe in a malevolent force, if that's what you're asking. I see material acting on other material and we give those actions and effects names to describe the level to which we would like those things minimized or reproduced.
What is this force and where does it come from?Life itself seems to be a force or system that creates suffering and misery with interspersed moments of pleasure and joy.
Just for clarity, humans are materials that act on other materials. Are all materials equal? Is a human the same as a horse?
What is this force and where does it come from?
Respectfully, these are tough but often interesting discussions. I read here more than I post. Two people of different perspectives see exactly the same thing and have opposing views. For me watching a mammal birth and seeing a creature switch from fluid to air breathing in a nanosecond is awe inspiring. I see a force at work beyond the human, others don’t. It‘s “just” nature. As I’ve I read and watched here the dramatic difference in people is what they will accept or will not accept on spiritual faith, whatever that is to the individual. There is no test tube to look at, no electron microscope to peer through for evidence. It’s spiritual for some and not for others. Hence the good or bad forces perceived by some are outcomes for others. Sorry for my gross simplification.
Nope. You nailed it, rock solid.
We all interpret things through our own lens. There are things that are awe inspiring, despite knowing how they happen on a material level. I feel that every time I see jumbo jet fly. There are still many things that we still don't understand on a material level.
What do you mean by 'evil'? A malevolent force that only works to create suffering and misery? The word we use to describe motives and actions that create suffering and misery? Can only humans do evil?
What do mean by 'good'? Actions and motives that increase flourishing and pleasure? The absence of suffering? Acts of selfless sacrifice?
Thats ^ basically how I see the word "evil". A descriptive word that we as humans have come up with that describes actions/motives. And even that can get complicated. Chop up a child up abuser into small pieces. Good? Or Evil? Good because they deserve it? Evil because you are intentionally creating suffering and pain?The word we use to describe motives and actions that create suffering and misery?
Why wouldn't an atheist believe in "good"? It takes a theist to link "good" with a "god".If they don't believe in good, they shouldn't believe in evil.
Can't have one without the other.
I don't think "just" Nature is any less impressive or awe inspiring or miraculous than others think "just" God.Respectfully, these are tough but often interesting discussions. I read here more than I post. Two people of different perspectives see exactly the same thing and have opposing views. For me watching a mammal birth and seeing a creature switch from fluid to air breathing in a nanosecond is awe inspiring. I see a force at work beyond the human, others don’t. It‘s “just” nature. As I’ve I read and watched here the dramatic difference in people is what they will accept or will not accept on spiritual faith, whatever that is to the individual. There is no test tube to look at, no electron microscope to peer through for evidence. It’s spiritual for some and not for others. Hence the good or bad forces perceived by some are outcomes for others. Sorry for my gross simplification.