Can evil be justified in any circumstance?

By Ramone Misfit on August 25, 2024

Can evil be justified in any circumstance?

One black cat one white cat

The day began with a heavy overcast, the sky a tapestry of swirling gray clouds. A light drizzle pattered against the windowpane, casting a soft rhythm that filled the quiet of the early morning. Ghost, his white fur slightly damp from the dew on the windowsill, stretched luxuriously as he took in the sight of the rain-soaked town. His blue eyes sparkled with a mix of anticipation and contemplation.

Boo, already awake and sitting on the edge of the bed, licked his black fur, grooming it meticulously. His yellow eyes flicked towards Ghost. “Looks like we’re in for a wet day,” he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Ghost nodded, hopping down from the windowsill with a graceful leap. “A perfect day for pondering, don’t you think? The rain tends to bring out interesting behavior in people. Maybe we can observe how the weather affects their interactions.”

Boo’s tail flicked with interest. “Sounds like a plan. But first, breakfast. We can’t philosophize on an empty stomach.”

The two cats made their way to the kitchen, where breakfast awaited them—freshly opened cans of salmon pâté, a delicacy they both adored. The rich scent filled the room, making Boo purr with delight.

“This is the good stuff,” Boo said between bites, savoring the taste. “Nothing like starting the day with a proper meal.”

Ghost nodded in agreement, enjoying the smooth texture of the pâté. “It’s the little things that set the tone for the day. A satisfying meal, a comfortable place to sit—it all adds up to how we experience the world.”

Once they had finished their breakfast, the two cats ventured outside. The rain had slowed to a light mist, enveloping Serene Town in a gentle, ethereal haze. The cobblestone streets glistened, reflecting the muted light of the overcast sky. The usual bustle of the town was subdued, with only a few people hurrying by under umbrellas, their faces partially hidden from view.

Ghost and Boo padded along the wet streets, their paws leaving faint prints behind. The scent of rain-soaked earth filled the air, mingling with the aroma of fresh bread from the nearby bakery. It was a day that invited introspection, and the two cats were eager to explore the human world through the lens of philosophy.

Their first stop was the town square, where they found a cozy spot under the awning of a small café. From here, they could watch the passersby without being noticed. The square was a hub of activity, even in the rain—people hurried to-and-fro, some with determined expressions, others lost in their own thoughts.

“People-watching is a fascinating pastime,” Ghost observed as he settled into a comfortable position. “You can learn a lot about human nature just by observing how they interact with each other.”

Boo nodded, his yellow eyes keenly watching a young couple who were huddled together under a single umbrella. “Take those two, for example. They’re clearly in love, but notice how they’re also trying to shield each other from the rain. It’s a small act, but it speaks volumes about their care for one another.”

“Love and care are powerful forces,” Ghost agreed. “They can inspire people to act selflessly, to put someone else’s needs above their own. But what about when those forces are absent? What drives people to act in ways that are harmful to others?”

Boo’s gaze shifted to a group of teenagers laughing and pushing each other playfully as they passed by. “I suppose it depends on the situation. Sometimes people act out of fear, anger, or desperation. Other times, it’s simply a matter of selfishness or a lack of empathy.”

White cat and black cat stare at each other

Ghost tilted his head thoughtfully. “And that leads us to a deeper question, our philosophical question of the day—can evil ever be justified? Is there ever a situation where doing something harmful could be considered the right thing to do?”

Boo’s ears perked up at the question, his curiosity piqued. “That’s a heavy topic. I suppose it’s something we could explore throughout the day.”

They continued to watch the town square, noting the subtle dynamics of power, influence, and human interaction. A man in a suit rushed by, clearly late for an important meeting. An elderly woman struggled with her shopping bags, and a passerby offered to help her, receiving a warm smile in return. The interactions were varied—some kind, some indifferent, and others tinged with tension.

As they observed, Boo couldn’t help but notice a tense exchange between two men near the edge of the square. One was shouting, his face red with anger, while the other looked defensive, his body language rigid. The argument seemed to be over a parking spot, a trivial matter that had escalated into a full-blown confrontation.

“It’s interesting how something as small as a parking space can lead to such heated emotions,” Boo remarked. “What do you think drives people to react so strongly to these kinds of situations?”

“Ego, perhaps,” Ghost suggested, watching the scene unfold. “People have a sense of ownership and entitlement, and when that’s challenged, it can trigger a strong response. But it’s also about control—feeling like you’re in charge of your own space and decisions.”

Boo nodded, considering Ghost’s words. “And that ties into our question about evil. When people feel their control is threatened, they might justify harmful actions to regain it. But does that make it right?”

“Not necessarily,” Ghost replied. “But it does highlight the complexities of human behavior. People often rationalize their actions, convincing themselves that they’re in the right, even when their actions might be objectively wrong.”

The argument between the two men eventually fizzled out, with one storming off in frustration while the other muttered angrily under his breath. The tension in the air dissipated, but it left Ghost and Boo with much to ponder.

As the rain began to pick up again, the two cats decided to seek shelter in the nearby library. The grand old building was a sanctuary of knowledge, with tall columns and arched windows that offered a view of the rain-soaked town. Inside, the air was cool and smelled of old books and polished wood.

They wandered through the aisles, their paws silent on the thick carpet. The philosophy section was a familiar haunt, and they gravitated towards it naturally. Ghost pulled a book from the shelf with a paw, flipping it open to a random page.

“Philosophers have long debated the nature of evil,” he said, scanning the text. “Some argue that evil is a fundamental part of the human experience, while others believe it’s a deviation from humans’ true nature.”

Boo peered at the book, his yellow eyes reflecting the dim light. “And then there’s the question of whether evil can ever be justified. If someone commits a harmful act in the name of a greater good, does that make it any less evil?”

“It’s a tricky question,” Ghost admitted, closing the book and placing it back on the shelf. “Some might argue that the ends justify the means—that if the outcome is positive, the actions taken to achieve it are justified. But others would say that evil actions are never justified, regardless of the outcome.”

Boo pondered this as they left the library, stepping back into the rain. “It seems to come down to perspective. What one person sees as necessary, another might see as unforgivable. And that’s where ethical dilemmas arise—when there’s no clear right or wrong answer.”

The rain had lightened to a soft drizzle by the time they reached the market, a bustling hub of activity even on such a dreary day. Vendors called out their prices, the scent of fresh produce and spices filled the air, and the sound of coins clinking echoed through the streets.

As they weaved through the crowd, they observed the subtle power dynamics at play—how vendors competed for customers, how buyers haggled for the best deals, and how some people used their influence to get ahead. It was a microcosm of the larger world, where power, control, and influence often dictated behavior.

Black and white cat watercolor

Ghost and Boo found a quiet corner near a fruit stand, where they could observe without being disturbed. A woman in a fine coat was arguing with a vendor over the price of apples, her tone sharp and demanding. The vendor, an older man with a weathered face, looked weary but stood his ground.

“Another example of how power can influence behavior,” Boo noted. “The woman feels entitled to a lower price because of her status, while the vendor is trying to protect his livelihood.”

“It’s a delicate balance,” Ghost agreed. “In some cases, power can be used to exploit others, to bend the rules in one’s favor. But it can also be a force for good, if used responsibly.”

The woman eventually relented, paying the full price with a huff before storming off. The vendor sighed, his expression a mix of relief and frustration.

“That interaction could have gone very differently,” Boo mused. “If the vendor had given in, he might have lost money, but he would have avoided conflict. Was standing his ground the right thing to do?”

“Perhaps,” Ghost said thoughtfully. “But it also raises the question of whether he should have had to make that choice in the first place. The woman’s sense of entitlement put him in a difficult position—one where he had to choose between his principles and his livelihood.”

Boo nodded. “And that brings us back to our question about evil. If someone is forced into a situation where they have to choose between two undesirable outcomes, is the act of choosing itself evil? Or is it the circumstances that are to blame?”

“It’s a complex issue,” Ghost replied, his tone serious. “But I think it’s important to consider intent. If someone acts with the intention of causing harm, that’s clearly evil. But if their actions are a result of difficult circumstances, it might not be so clear-cut.”

The market began to quiet down as the rain intensified, and the two cats decided to make their way to the Serene River, a place of tranquility where they often went to reflect. The river was swollen with rainwater, its surface a mirror of the darkening sky. The gentle sound of the water flowing over the rocks was soothing, providing a peaceful backdrop for their ongoing discussion.

As they sat by the riverbank, Ghost turned to Boo with a thoughtful expression. “We’ve observed a lot today—acts of kindness, moments of tension, power struggles, and ethical dilemmas. But we haven’t yet answered the question: Can evil ever be justified?”

Boo looked out over the water, his yellow eyes contemplative. “I suppose it depends on how we define evil. If we see it as an absolute, then no, it can never be justified. But if we view it as a relative concept, influenced by context and perspective, then perhaps there are situations where what seems evil to one person might be justified to another.”

Ghost nodded slowly. “That’s true. But I think it’s also important to consider the consequences of our actions. Even if an act seems justified in the moment, it might have long-term effects that we can’t foresee. And those effects could cause more harm than good.”

“So, in that sense,” Boo added, “it might be wiser to avoid actions that could be considered evil, even if they seem justified in the short term. After all, once the act is done, we can’t take it back.”

Ghost agreed, his gaze drifting to the flowing river. “Perhaps the best approach is to strive for understanding and compassion, to seek solutions that minimize harm rather than justifying actions that could cause it. In the end, it’s about finding a balance—between our intentions, our actions, and the impact they have on others.”

Boo smiled softly, his tail curling around his paws. “You’re right. And maybe that’s the true challenge of living an ethical life—navigating the complexities of the world with integrity, even when it’s difficult.”

As the rain continued to fall, Ghost and Boo sat quietly by the river, their minds still turning over the questions they had pondered throughout the day. The world was full of complexities, of shades of gray rather than black and white. But in their search for answers, they had found a deeper understanding of the human condition, and of their own role in the world.

And with that understanding came a sense of peace—a realization that while the questions might never have clear answers, the journey of exploration was what truly mattered.

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Author

Ramone Misfit is my pen name as an author, writer, and musician. I write this blog with the goal to raise funds so that I can achieve freedom to play music every day! When you support me it helps me care for my family, cats, and it allows me to get closer to fulfilling my goal one day at a time. Thank you for visiting my site!

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