Importance of distinguishing Good from Evil

In religious precepts, the beginning ethical or legal norms there is usually an explicit reference to good and evil. Certain actions are considered good and desirable, while others are bad and should be avoided. Distinguishing one from the other is a fundamental question for any individual and for any society. Otherwise, injustices, abuses and disorders are committed.

The problem of the distinction between the two sides of the same coin

In principle, we all know that stealing is bad. This principle is accepted by all and there is no culture that asserts the opposite. However, on certain exceptional occasions the theft may have a justification. Thus, if someone steals food from an establishment to feed his children, strictly speaking he is carrying out a conduct contrary to the law and good customs, but the purpose of his action is legitimate and respectable.

Telling the truth and not giving false testimony is a general principle that we all accept as valid. Despite this, we know that the truth can be offensive, harmful or problematic. In certain circumstances we can doubt what is right: be honest and cause harm or lie and avoid unnecessary suffering.

Sometimes, in the name of good, damage is caused to others and when this happens, one should consider whether the idea of ​​good is really the correct one.

In this sense, many revolutionary processes have started with excellent intentions and have ended in abuses and atrocities.

From a historical point of view, what in the past was something bad and sinful (for example, homosexuality) today is considered normal and respectable behavior.

The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche defended the thesis that the ideas of good and evil must be overcome, since both have arisen in a specific cultural context and have been imposed as if they were ideas absolute.

Since there is no formula to definitively distinguish, the only thing we can do is have some criteria moral to differentiate what should be the correct valuation.

The role of the conscience of guilt

If someone acts in the wrong way, it is likely that he will not recognize his mistake at first. However, when reflecting serenely on the committed action, his awareness he will act as a judge and rule whether he has really acted rightly or wrongly. We are conscious of guilt because we know how to differentiate between the right path and the wrong one.

In order for our moral evaluation of what is correct to make sense, we must previously learn a series of norms and rules. It is not a matter of accepting them just because, but of understanding their meaning and their authentic value.

Whoever does evil and is not aware of it is likely that no one has taught him to distinguish between good and evil.

Images Fotolia: Paulo Resende, Akira