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What are the major philosophical inquiries into the fundamental origin of evil, as opposed to its definition or problem?

The "problem of evil" usually focuses on reconciling evil with God's existence. I'm interested in a prior step: how do philosophers account for evil's emergence in the first place? For example, does it originate in flawed human freedom (Augustine, Kant), in ignorance (Socrates, Buddhism), in the necessary shadow side of a good creation (Plotinus, process theology), or from a cosmic dualism (Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism)? I need a taxonomy of these etiological accounts.The "problem of evil" usually focuses on reconciling evil with God's existence. I'm interested in a prior step: how do philosophers account for evil's emergence in the first place? For example, does it originate in flawed human freedom (Augustine, Kant), in ignorance (Socrates, Buddhism), in the necessary shadow side of a good creation (Plotinus, process theology), or from a cosmic dualism (Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism)? I need a taxonomy of these etiological accounts.

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By Gangotri Kumari Answered 1 year ago

Philosophical accounts of evil's origin cluster around a few core narratives. 1) Privation & Misuse of Freedom (Augustine): Evil originates not as a substance but as a privation of good, entering the world through the free will of creatures (angels, humans) who turn away from the Supreme Good. 2) Ignorance (Socrates/Plato, Buddhism): Evil actions stem from a lack of knowledge of the good; no one knowingly does evil. 3) Metaphysical Dualism (Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism): Evil is co-eternal with good, a positive force in cosmic conflict. 4) Necessary Shadow (Plotinus, some Process Thought): Evil is an unavoidable by-product of a contingent, finite creation—the "fading" of the One's perfection. 5) Soul-Making (Irenaeus, Hick): Evil is a necessary condition for developing virtues like courage and compassion. The dominant Western narrative remains the free-will-based privation theory, while Eastern traditions often emphasize ignorance or illusion (avidya) as the root.

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