Evil Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“Good can exist without evil, whereas evil cannot exist without good.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 13, Article 2
Good and evil are interdependent; good can stand alone, but evil needs good to be defined.
In simple terms: Good can exist alone; evil needs good.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the relational nature of moral concepts.
Themes
morality
dualism
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- ethical debates
- theological study
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing this interdependence affect moral judgments?
- Can good exist without acknowledging evil?
A Different Perspective
Evil may be seen as a distortion rather than a separate entity.
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