Interesting Psychology Team
Evil is a difficult concept to understand and define. There are many different theories out there on this, some of which try to explain what evil is, while others focus on the question of whether or not it exists (or if it’s ever justified under certain circumstances).
And then there are the dark psychology theories that explore the darker side of human nature. Whether you believe in evil or not, these theories will help you become more aware of your own darker impulses and why they may be lurking within.
What is evil?
The term “evil” is difficult to define because of the way it’s used in different contexts. It can be used to describe something as objectively bad or immoral, but it’s also used to describe a person who is doing something wrong.
The word itself was first introduced around the 14th century and comes from the Old English term “evil,” which means “ill.”
The nature of evil
The nature of evil has always been a difficult question to answer. There are many theories out there that try to define and explore it. Some say that evil is a part of the human condition, some say it’s an outside force, and others say that it doesn’t exist at all.
But what about the dark psychology theories about evil? These theories explore the darker side of human nature, as well as how we are all capable of committing horrific acts under certain circumstances.
Why do people commit terrible acts?
There are many theories that explore why people commit terrible acts. These dark psychology theories suggest there may be something fundamental about human nature that compels us to do evil.
Here are dark psychology theories to understand evil in humans.
1) The banality theory
The banality theory argues that evil is simply banal – not a grand cause or reason, but just the result of people fulfilling their own selfish needs in some way. It’s only when you really think about it do you see how grotesque and terrible it is.
But according to this theory, most people are simply focused on their own greed or lust for power and don’t stop to consider the consequences of their actions.
2) “The banality of evil” theory, as proposed by psychoanalyst Hannah Arendt, suggests that the most destructive evils can grow out of ordinary people who don’t think very much about what they’re doing.
She was attempting to explain how Adolf Eichmann could oversee the Holocaust without being a sadist or sociopath and concluded that he simply didn’t think very much about what he was doing.
3) The idea is often drawn from the proverb “the devil’s greatest trick was convincing humanity he doesn’t exist.” It suggests that if evil does not exist, then we don’t need to fear it, and if we don’t fear it, then it can take hold of us more easily.
4) Psychologist Erich Fromm theorized that authoritarian parents raise susceptible children who eventually become easily manipulated by totalitarian political regimes or cults because they grew up with an intense fear of freedom and individuality.
5) Cultural critic Christopher Lasch thought modern society had lost its sense of community due to economic changes like increased global trade, automation, and mass media.
Without a sense of caring for others or connection with society, individuals are left more isolated and are more prone to these negative impulses.
Can we ever justify evil?
There are many dark psychology theories that explore the darker side of human nature. One theory is that evil acts in response to a sense of justice in the world.
This theory, elaborated by James Gilligan, argues that evil occurs when people feel they have no other way of righting the wrongs done to them or their loved ones.
Though it’s not popular for people to admit when they’re wronged, Gilligan argues that some people feel like any means justifies the ends if it will make them feel better.
It may not be an excuse for doing something inherently wrong, but it’s important to understand these feelings so we can better understand how and why evil actions occur
How to detect evil in ourselves
The theory of the “banality of evil” is one that has been around for a while; Hannah Arendt popularized it in her 1963 book, Eichmann in Jerusalem. This theory argues that people can’t really be classified as good or evil, but rather theyβre just humans with different motivations.
According to this theory, people who commit atrocities, like Nazi Adolf Eichmann and Rwandan dictator Jean-BΓ©del Bokassa, are not the stuff of nightmares and horror movies. They’re just regular people who did something bad.
This suggests that we could be living next door to this type of person and never realize how dark their desires maybe until it’s too late.
One way to avoid becoming an unwitting accomplice to evil is by staying mindful of our own impulses, according to psychiatrist Dr. Harald Grosz-Nwalker.
He says that we need to remain attuned to what our own moral compass says is right or wrong at all times so that we can recognize when we’re being manipulated by someone else who has a different moral compass than ours.
Conclusion
The dark side of human nature might be difficult to comprehend and accept, but it is a part of our reality. Read on to learn more about some of the most popular theories on why people commit terrible acts.
