Abstract
AbstractPerhaps the special quality that distinguishes evil action from ordinary wrongdoing is that evildoing flows from a certain kind of motive. Does every evildoer have the same kind of psychological profile? We might try to build a definition of evil action by looking for a distinctive psychological feature that lies behind the horrific actions of serial killers or terrorists. Some philosophers claim that all evil actions are motivated by malice or ill will towards the victims. Others focus on the sadistic pleasure that evildoers take in the suffering of their victims. Others claim that the evildoer stands out in virtue of the fact that he knows what he is doing is wrong, and hence is defying the moral rules. Each one of these psychological features exacerbates the severity of wrongdoing, but do any of them define evil?
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
