Philosophy For Our Times
The end of good and evil | Slavoj Žižek, Maria Balaska, Rowan Williams, Richard Wrangham
Jan 9, 2024
Renowned philosopher Slavoj Žižek, political philosopher Maria Balaska, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and anthropologist Richard Wrangham discuss the nature of good and evil. They explore the complexity of human nature and argue against oversimplification. The panel examines the definition of good and evil, their relativity, and their relationship with power. They also discuss the concept of evil and its disruption of the moral fabric. Overall, the podcast delves into the multifaceted nature of humans and challenges traditional categorizations of good and evil.
55:15
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Quick takeaways
- The distinction between inherently good or evil is a mistake, as humans have the capacity for both kindness and malevolence.
- Identifying evil can be helpful, but it is important to consider historical and social contexts and avoid extreme absolutism.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Good and Evil
The panelists discuss the concept of good and evil, questioning whether humans are inherently one or the other or a combination of both. They explore the subjective nature of morality and the social construction of these categories. While identifying evil can be helpful in recognizing dangerous individuals or actions, the panelists caution against the absolutism and extreme use of the term. They emphasize the need to consider the historical and social contexts when assessing acts labeled as evil. Additionally, they challenge the reduction of morality to consequences or societal norms, highlighting the importance of virtues and attention in understanding the concepts of good and evil.
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