Table of contentsIntroductionDehumanization as an explanation of evilHumanity as a catalyst for evilConclusionIntroductionThroughout human history, the presence of conflicts and moral dilemmas has been undeniable. From wars and genocides to acts of individual malevolence, the concept of evil has always been closely linked to human existence. We often categorize individuals like Hitler as embodiments of evil, even though these figures were once ordinary human beings. Hitler, for example, harbored aspirations to pursue artistic pursuits, but he ultimately orchestrated the deaths of millions of people. How does an individual go from ordinary to malicious? Where does evil come from? This essay will attempt to answer these questions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Dehumanization as an Explanation of Evil Conventional explanation often attributes acts of evil to the dehumanization of others. According to this view, perpetrators fail to recognize the humanity of their victims, viewing them simply as means to an end or as inferior beings. Therefore, they commit atrocities without recognizing the moral implications of their actions. This perspective has found support in various texts and studies, suggesting a correlation between dehumanization and the commission of bad actions. However, recent studies challenge this notion, proposing instead that it is the recognition of humanity, coupled with fear, that breeds evil. Many individuals do not perceive themselves as inherently evil, but instances of evil persist. This paradox implies that evil may be an innate aspect of human nature, repressed by societal norms and structures. In the absence of these constraints, primal instincts can resurface, leading to acts of savagery. The character of Kurtz in “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad illustrates this regression towards barbarism when he is removed from the constraints of civilization. Similarly, William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" describes how the absence of societal order causes a descent into savagery among a group of stranded boys. In both stories, the veneer of civilization wears off, revealing individuals' inherent capacity for evil. Without the moral guidance provided by society, individuals can lose their moral compass, unable to discern between right and wrong. This is evident in Hank Mitchell's character arc in "A Simple Plan". Initially resistant to the lure of ill-gotten gains, Hank eventually succumbs to temptation, committing acts of violence to protect the stolen money. His moral deterioration highlights the destabilizing influence of greed and moral ambiguity. The dehumanization of others becomes a rationalization of evil acts, to the extent that perpetrators justify their behavior based on a perception of superiority or for utilitarian purposes. Hitler's belief in the inferiority of the Jews, for example, served as a self-justification for his genocidal campaign. Similarly, Sarah Mitchell in "A Simple Plan" manipulates others in their pursuit of wealth, demonstrating how the corruption of material gain can lead to moral decadence and acts of malevolence. the depths of human depravity. In 2006, shocking images emerged revealing the appalling mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners by the US military. These acts of inhumanity included smearing detainees with feces and subjecting them to degrading humiliations, such as trainingnaked human pyramids. Psychologist Phillip Zimbardo, famous for his Stanford Prison experiment, posits that individuals engage in such heinous acts when circumstances permit. Guards, burdened by overwhelming workloads and fatigue from long working days, found themselves emboldened to commit atrocities against prisoners. Zimbardo suggests that under such conditions, empathy, altruism, and morality erode, leading otherwise ordinary individuals to perpetrate bad actions. He notes: “Situations can be powerful enough to undermine empathy, altruism, morality, and to cause ordinary people, even good people, to be induced to do very bad things. » This erosion of empathy is a dangerous precedent that can escalate into new things. mischief. The Europeans depicted in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" exemplify this dehumanizing mindset, viewing Africans not as human beings, but as primitive savages. Such dehumanization serves to rationalize other injustices, such as the institution of slavery. Over time, the perpetuation of dehumanization across cultures, religions, and races has led to the establishment of relative scales of humanity. Research by psychologist Nour Kteily reveals the prevalence of prejudice within certain demographic groups, with some individuals ranking certain groups lower on the scale of humanity, such as animals. Kteily's study, conducted in 2017, highlights growing intolerance toward Muslims and immigrants, attributed in part to political rhetoric, such as President Trump's dehumanizing portrayal of migrants and refugees. This cycle of dehumanization fuels animosity and violence, as marginalized groups respond to their dehumanization with acts of resistance. Kteily’s conclusions are reflected in his statement: “Dehumanization does not only occur in war. This is happening here and now. And every day, good people who do not consider themselves prejudiced fanatics nevertheless fall prey to them. “This cycle is evident in conflicts and wars across the world. The abuses of Abu Ghraib, for example, were cited to justify the brutal beheading of American businessman Nick Berg by Islamist militants in 2004. The beheader continues this cycle of evil saying: "We tell you that the The dignity of Muslim men and women at Abu Ghraib and others is only redeemed by blood and souls. You will only receive coffin after coffin from us. » Literary works like William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” also highlight the consequences of dehumanization. The protagonist, Piggy, is subjected to dehumanizing treatment from his peers, who mock his ailments and physical characteristics. This dehumanization influences perceptions and behaviors, contributing to the escalation of violence and cruelty. However, an alternative perspective posits that evil arises not from the dehumanization of others, but from the recognition of their humanity. Psychology professor Paul Bloom says acts of cruelty often stem from a deep recognition of the victim's humanity. Perpetrators view their victims as deserving of punishment or harm, rationalizing their actions as necessary means to an end. Bloom states: "A lot of the cruelty that we do to each other, the really savage and terrible things that we do to each other, is actually because we recognize the humanity of other person. " This1003_4