Conceptions of Evil Throughout the History of Ideas

This book is a brief historical survey of the conceptual development of evil and its denial. The discourse on the concept of evil has developed throughout centuries of rigorous theological and philosophical debates. An attempt to understand and address the problem of evil has shaped the historical development of both moral and political theory. Addressing and identifying common themes throughout the history of ideas, both in the East and the West, may facilitate contemporary theorists in tackling new and arising threats to peace. The inherently conflictual nature of evil, the duality of good versus evil, and our inability to peacefully coexist, are unfortunate consequences of our collective diversity. Thus, an understanding of conflict and its resolution should begin with an attempt to understand the universally recognized concept of evil.