How to counter moral evil: Paideia and Nomos

Abstract

In this short article, I argue that (a) the distinction between what counts as natural and moral evil is not fixed; that (b) science and technology can transform natural evil into moral evil; that (c) two main philosophical anthropologies explain moral evil as due to ignorance (Socrates) or wickedness (Hobbes); and hence that (d) a society that seeks to counter evil should rely on science and technology to transform natural evil into moral evil and then on education (Paideia) and regulations (Nomos) to minimise or even eliminate moral evil.

Keywords: Hobbes, moral evil, natural evil, nomos, paideia, Socrates.