Evil? Exclusively a Human Thing?

Question

Thanks Lucifer J Satan, How About Killer Whales?

Answer 1

No, there are tendencies of killing/teasing/torturing in animal life.

Answer 2

Yeah I think true evil is probably only for us humans, he makes a good point about cats, but it's in there nature there wired that way. Then you could argue that its wired in to people as well.

So dose true evil actually exist? or is the concept of right and wrong backwards. society judges whats wrong or evil, but who's right?

The odd few who do bad things, or the majority of us who don't?

Ps I'm trying to answer philosophically, I'm not in to animal cruelty, and the like.

Answer 3

I think so, because only humans can know what they do, and judge it.  Killer whales may sport with seals, and cats may tantalize mice, but they don't do it just for the pleasure of inflicting play - it's the game of the chase.   Humans, as hunters, get the same pleasure, but being aware of consequences can choose to kill, or not - and give themselves all kinds of clever justifications either way.   To be evil one must have choice - just as one needs choice for doing good (however one defines it).   We have choice.  Trouble is many people don't quite know what to do with it, and being herd animals tend to go with the flow.

Answer 4

The concept of evil is to just simplify morality.

Answer 5

No. Cats are the only other creature apart from man that kills for pleasure.

Answer 6

I am assuming your conception of evil can loosely reference "intentional acts that are cruel, unjust, or selfish".

In my mind, evil will exist so long as there are three things: (1) Instigating conditions and opportunity for their destructive atonement, (2) competition (e.g., omnipotence fantasies), (3) the existence of "opponents" of evil.

That being said, however, "instigating conditions" (#1, above) are bound to become, at least, more varied (if not, more numerous) as group dynamics become more complex. Consider the complexity of these incitements between different life forms: frustrated basic/physical (as well as psychological) needs, "difficult" life conditions; group conflict; cultural characteristics and other psychological and social process in individuals as well as groups, the passivity and complicity of bystanders; the socialization and experience of life forms that lead to aggression; and, lastly, the "evolution" of aggression toward greater violence and evil.

EDIT: Thanx, "Life Forms etc" :-) :-). By the third aspect, I'm referring to life that evil can be directed towards. So, perceived opponents, I guess, would be more accurate. But, I also refer to the existence of "good". Without "good" or intentional acts that are not cruel, unjust, or selfish, there would be no opposition. But, perhaps you have a point if you are citing, resisting formalized notions of "good", as a contributor to the existence of evil. Interesting :-).

EDIT 2: Thanx mdGreg C. I think Shahbarak has nailed it! I wasn't sure what you were getting at, so I think I kind of fluffed around in my answer. Evil, a concept, created by humans with connotations, distinctively human. But, this doesn't stop us from erroneously applying it where it does not apply. In the news, recently, bears accused of "attacks". We've labeled very natural animal behaviour, erroneously, and THEN carried that over by imposing consequences for our *own* labels. "Another bear attack. Another bear *had* to be put down". Bullocks!

EDIT 3: Yup, real consequences for our imaginary circumstances. And, we are supposed to be superior cognitive (and, I might add, emotional) beings. I like Shahbarak's notion of "herd animals".

Answer 7

I have know and heard of many of dogs that kill for sport like cats, but that's beside the point. How does only killing become associated with evil. Doesn't evil exist in many other forms? Example: torture, rape, harassment, assault, negligence etc. When it comes to war (about as evil as you can get) I know of only three life forms that practice such devastation on such a large scale humans, ants and bees.  Having raised many different animals most of my life I have seen evil by individuals inflicted on many others of their own kind. So it is not exclusive to humans. I have seen it in birds, other mammals, fish and reptiles, but I have never seen on a large scale except for the three mentioned.

added: In a experiment at a museum in Toronto rats given a "city" got along fine before becoming to populated. As they encroached on one another space they became mean and "evil" not just over territory but in general. Kynysca's #1 reminded me of it. I am confused over #3 K are you saying because of those opposing evil it makes others want to create evil? I like the rest of your response.