Is there a objective definition of good and evil?

[Argeus the Paladin]

We all know that saving drowning little girls is good and raping the dogs are evil.

But then when it comes to politics and war all the definition goes down the gutter. Good and evil becoming relative terms pertaining to those who are not on your side - having seen what both sides of the Vietnam War has to say, I tend to think this way.

So the question is, is there, in any shape, size or form, a objective definition of good and evil in such a situation when ideological conflicts becomes the reason of war?

EDIT: Cannot mend the thread title, but I was going to say "objective definition". Stupid me.

[Dr. Oza]

all good and evil is relative

even saving drowning girls... what if you lived in a society where the belief was that drowning lead to heaven, saving her would be evil

[Scorch]

Me from another thread:

[...] objective morality, even as a theistic construct, only exists insofar as it is a reflection of the biological and scientific realities of the human race and its existence. Theism merely mirrors several ideas of morality that are more universal than others (shalt not kill and steal and a couple of other ideas) that came about due to humanity's engagement with the realities of its existence.

Those concepts of morality that have a deeper root in such biological and scientific realities are the ones that will survive for longer periods of time and are the ones that people most often label 'objective', whereas those that are established by discourse more separate to this are the ones that are more fluid and have broken down over time.

That is to say that killing people is not considered wrong because there is something inherently evil about it, but because, biologically, there is something inherently socially self-destructive about it. Without the development of some kind of discourse or ideology that condemned indiscriminate killing of fellow humans, complex society would never have emerged as it did. It is around this reality that discourses of evil and good are constructed by humanity.

[BNS]

Me from another thread:

[...] objective morality, even as a theistic construct, only exists insofar as it is a reflection of the biological and scientific realities of the human race and its existence. Theism merely mirrors several ideas of morality that are more universal than others (shalt not kill and steal and a couple of other ideas) that came about due to humanity's engagement with the realities of its existence.

Those concepts of morality that have a deeper root in such biological and scientific realities are the ones that will survive for longer periods of time and are the ones that people most often label 'objective', whereas those that are established by discourse more separate to this are the ones that are more fluid and have broken down over time.

That is to say that killing people is not considered wrong because there is something inherently evil about it, but because, biologically, there is something inherently socially self-destructive about it. Without the development of some kind of discourse or ideology that condemned indiscriminate killing of fellow humans, complex society would never have emerged as it did. It is around this reality that discourses of evil and good are constructed by humanity.

Couldn't have said it better.

[Darth_Revan]

I don't think there is really a definition because everyone interprets good and evil differently... whats good for me may be evil to you etc.

[vecordia]

Evil is derivative of pain - Good derivative of pleasure.
The whole rest is just an elaboration of the above.

[Arch-hereticK]

The real greyness of the human condition, I think, is much more interesting than the pre-prescribed false black and white concept.

But I suppose that is my subjective opinion.

[vecordia]

The real greyness of the human condition, I think, is much more interesting than the pre-prescribed false black and white concept.

It is more interesting indeed, but source and meanings of evil and good lies in their both sided opposition, therefore "black white concept".

It's also my subjective opinion ... as the whole rest I write on this forum.

Well i have come up with a definition of good and evil that everyone agrees on

evil: selfish

good: unselfish

man sometimes my simplistic genius is just to awesome for simple words ;D

Wrong.
Everybody is selfish a priori, then someone could be unselfish if he wants.
Not a correct analogy to good and evil I think.

[Habelo]

dunno what priori means

[Habelo]

Well i have come up with a definition of good and evil that everyone agrees on

evil: selfish

good: unselfish

man sometimes my simplistic genius is just to awesome for simple words ;D

[Monarchist]

If it makes your stomach cringe before you've even done it, there is universal evil in what you are about to do.

[Habelo]

If it makes your stomach cringe before you've even done it, there is universal evil in what you are about to do.

doctor doing an operation... equals evil? ;D

[Monarchist]

doctor doing an operation... equals evil? ;D

Sarcastic cynicism advances us nothing and nowhere.

Getting a job interview is a universal evil? I agree.

You know what I mean.

[Arch-hereticK]

cynicism advances us nothing and nowhere.

You're one of the coldest cynics I know of, (here anyway) how can you say that?

You know what I mean.

Yes, as a rule of thumb it's quite workable, but it has it's limitations and inaccuracies of right and wrong.

[Arch-hereticK]

If it makes your stomach cringe before you've even done it, there is universal evil in what you are about to do.

Getting a job interview is a universal evil? I agree.

[Banana Jelly]

Evil is the lack of good

[Arch-hereticK]

Evil is the lack of good

Is indifference evil?

[Banana Jelly]

Is indifference evil?

Maybe neutral? Or mix of both evil and good?

[Adrian]

Nope necessity and desire I say says the most about us

[Arch-hereticK]

Maybe neutral? Or mix of both evil and good?

A mix of good and evil?
Like a person with down-syndrome hugging their baby brother so hard that is dies?
I don't think that is either good or evil.

Nope necessity and desire I say says the most about us

Both of those are subjective now, aren't they?