Does Evil Exist (and How Do We Recognize It?)

The article begins by quoting Adam Smith, an 18th-century Scottish economist and philosopher, who argued that humans often admire and even worship the rich and powerful.

This idea is part of Smith's broader theory on moral sentiments, which explores how people develop ethical judgments.

In his 1759 book The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith suggests that our moral decisions are influenced by empathy and social context rather than pure logic.

The quote highlights how societal values can shape perceptions of good and evil, as admiration for wealth or power may distort moral judgments.

For example, Smith observed that people often justify the actions of the wealthy or powerful, even when those actions cause harm, simply because of their status.

This sets the stage for questioning whether evil is an absolute concept or something influenced by social and economic factors.