The nature of human goodness
I can explain how the existence of moral evil contributes to the debate on whether humans are inherently good.
The nature of human goodness
I can explain how the existence of moral evil contributes to the debate on whether humans are inherently good.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There is disagreement about the meaning of the word ‘good’ and whether it is an absolute or relative concept.
- Moral evil is evil caused by human choice and natural evil is caused by natural events or forces.
- There are different philosophical, psychological and sociological perspectives on whether humans are inherently good.
- History gives us examples to support both the inherent goodness and the inherent evil of humans.
Keywords
Absolute - something that is always true and unchanging
Relative - something that is dependent on or connected to something else
Inherent - naturally part of something
Moral evil - actions or behaviour done by humans that are intentionally harmful or wrong, such as lying, stealing, or violence
Natural evil - suffering and harm caused by natural events or forces, such as earthquakes, floods, or diseases, which are not caused by human actions
Common misconception
If humans are capable of moral evil, it means they are inherently evil.
Being capable of moral evil doesn’t mean humans are inherently evil; it suggests that humans have free will and the ability to choose both good and bad actions, depending on circumstances and influences.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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