The Minefield
Is the concept of “evil” worth retaining?
Oct 31, 2024
Stan Grant, an award-winning writer and distinguished professor, joins Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens to unravel the complexities of 'evil' in today's society. They discuss how personal backgrounds shape our interpretations of evil and its implications for public discourse. The conversation delves into cultural perspectives, the potential harm of labeling actions or individuals as evil, and philosophical insights from thinkers like Hannah Arendt. Grant emphasizes the balance of divine attributes and human conduct, questioning the relevance of evil in contemporary moral discussions.
54:10
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast argues that the concept of evil, often highlighted in cultural narratives, can hinder moral discussions and understanding.
- Participants stress the importance of preserving the notion of goodness in societal discourse to maintain a shared moral foundation.
Deep dives
Divergent Perspectives on Evil
The conversation reflects differing viewpoints on the nature of evil, with participants expressing their unique outlooks informed by various intellectual traditions. One individual emphasizes that evil does not possess ontological existence and should be framed within a broader context that values human actions. This perspective counters the notion of evil as a fundamental force, suggesting instead that evil emerges from moral failures rather than an inherent quality. The rich discussion indicates that these differing perspectives can reveal underlying shared concerns about morality and humanity.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
