Is evil relative?
It is impossible to define evil in such a way that it is not ultimately subjective because everything is ultimately subjective. But whether or not evil can be defined in such a way that it refers to something which is not relative but is instead absolute is yet another matter.
Certainly, if one defines evil as 'bad', then it is relative. But defining evil as bad is only one possible definition of the term.
So, is there some definition of evil such that the word does not refer to something that is relative? If so, what is that definition?
Please Note, as used in this OP, the term subjective refers to an epistemology, while the term relative refers to a contextual difference in truth, value, or fact. For instance, Johnny can see reality only from a subjective point of view. But what he sees might or might not be relative. If he sees that 2 + 2 = 4, he is seeing a non-relative truth (albeit from a subjective point of view). However the truth of the statement, "You just gave me a headache", that Johnny says every time his friend Sunstone opens his mouth is not only subjective, but also relative. Sunstone himself does not experience Johnny's headache.
_____________________________
It is impossible to define evil in such a way that it is not ultimately subjective because everything is ultimately subjective. But whether or not evil can be defined in such a way that it refers to something which is not relative but is instead absolute is yet another matter.
Certainly, if one defines evil as 'bad', then it is relative. But defining evil as bad is only one possible definition of the term.
So, is there some definition of evil such that the word does not refer to something that is relative? If so, what is that definition?
Please Note, as used in this OP, the term subjective refers to an epistemology, while the term relative refers to a contextual difference in truth, value, or fact. For instance, Johnny can see reality only from a subjective point of view. But what he sees might or might not be relative. If he sees that 2 + 2 = 4, he is seeing a non-relative truth (albeit from a subjective point of view). However the truth of the statement, "You just gave me a headache", that Johnny says every time his friend Sunstone opens his mouth is not only subjective, but also relative. Sunstone himself does not experience Johnny's headache.
_____________________________