Terror in Paris: the continuing problem of evil
Terror in Paris: the continuing problem of evil

Summary/Abstract: I sit down to write this piece one day after the horrific events of November 13 2015 in Paris. Three teams of attackers heavily armed and wearing suicide vests, methodically and viciously attacked innocent people in six different locations. The death toll currently stands at 129, with approximately 350 more wounded. We are all familiar with those who break the law, who transgress against others, knowing full well that they are doing wrong. In instrumental evil, we find an agent who knowingly violates rules and norms to achieve some self-interested end. Importantly, this agent might have acted otherwise were he able to achieve his goals via more acceptable means. Although rationalizing his actions in various ways, perhaps arguing he had no choice but to act as he did or that the consequences of his actions were less serious than they appear, he understands that his actions are not justified by an objective good.

• Details
• Contents