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Evil acts not evil people: their characteristics and contexts
1University of Washington, Seattle, USA. mhorne@u.washington.edu
The Journal of Analytical Psychology
|November 18, 2008
Summary
Evil acts stem from labeling behaviors as "natural" or "unnatural," leading to dehumanization. Reframing evil as an adjective, focusing on acts rather than character, offers new insights into its motivation and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
Background:
- The problem of evil lacks consensus on its nature, motivation, and resolution.
- Existing theories struggle with foundational explanations of evil acts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose redefining "evil" as an adjective, not a noun, focusing on acts over character.
- To examine evil acts within their specific contexts to better understand their nature and motivation.
- To identify the semiotic process of "naturalization" as a root cause of evil acts.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the term "evil."
- Examination of evil acts through contextual and semiotic lenses.
- Illustrative examples from personal experience, analytic theory, and the "troubles" in Northern Ireland.
Main Results:
- Evil acts originate from assertions of "naturalness" versus "unnaturalness."
- This process leads to anxiety, inadequate signification, and dehumanization.
- Dehumanization enables the violation of "personhood" and "boundaries," ranging from minor slights to genocide.
Conclusions:
- Viewing evil as an adjective qualifying acts offers a more nuanced understanding.
- The "naturalization" process is a key driver of evil acts across various contexts.
- Strategies for preventing "naturalization" and mitigating evil acts can be developed.
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