Assignment 3 - Hannah Pulley

Do good and evil exist?

No, but these descriptors could be used in the context of describing the actions that people commit. I don't believe that there is such thing as good or evil people, but that a person’s actions are characterized by whether or not the action would benefit or harm other people and the surroundings. Within this there are good and bad, but also a grey area in between. For example, you could donate money to an organization, such as the local humane society or public radio, and often in return, these organizations will give you a small incentive, such as a t-shirt. These incentives are meant to get the attention and support of more donors, who offer their support to something that they enjoy. (or maybe they just want the t-shirt.) The point is, supporting a public institution that does some kind of a service to the community is usually a good thing, and the fact that you get another t-shirt doesn't cause much harm. If offering incentives would hurt the institution financially, they wouldn't and people would understand.

In a different situation, a similar act could have other implications. Today you see countless specials on the prevalence of abusive and controlling relationships, often occurring through financial, communicative, physical or emotional means. If an abuser loaned their partner money because they needed it, but also because they would be indebted to and further tied their abuser, it is clear that the action has the wrong intention. You could give someone a cell phone, saying that it is so you can keep in touch, but if you also intend to track every movement and interaction a person has in order to contain and control them, the same goes. These are just small examples of where things can go wrong, but in general, a good deed with benefits that would hurt another person or the surrounding situation can’t be justified in my opinion.

If actions are defined as good or bad, it must be considered that actions take place at a point in time; they are not people with a personality or mind or a lifespan. A person can change, for better or for worse, by changing their actions and motives. However, as long as there are people with minds to be tempted and persuaded, there will be the possibility that evil occurs. We can strive to and use our actions to make the world a more positive and just place, but neither evil (nor good, on the other hand) could ever be eradicated.