Evil is the violation of a moral code. Evil is the dualistic opposite of good. Evil causes evil. Although scattered dictionaries may offer these clear definitions, in reality a theme so present in all spheres of life since the dawn of man takes unlimited forms. The word itself has come to symbolize the dividing line between ordinary people and callous monsters; demonic criminals who show no signs of compassion and no adherence to virtue. Ideas regarding evil have spread through schools of theology, into the minds of society, and into philosophical theories throughout human history. The dichotomy between opposing ideas of good and evil creates a gray area ignored by the black and white view of morality. In this gray area, reason, incentive and relativism come to light. Only when we study the meaning of evil from a religious, social, and philosophical perspective can we truly discover the nature of evil. In religion, the concepts of good and evil refer to a range of objects, desires, and behaviors that constitute morally positive and morally negative consequences on a spiritual level. Good is a broad concept generally made up of associations with charity, happiness, love and prosperity. Evil, on the other hand, can represent deliberate wrongdoing, actions aimed at harming others, the humiliation of people with the intention of diminishing their needs and dignity, and acts of violence. Although each major religion varies in its distinctions between the two conceptions of morality, good and evil are cultural universals derived from pre-Socratic philosophical notions. Morality in its absolute sense goes back to the dialogues of Plato. Book IV of Plato's "Republic" ...... middle of article ...... written about their experiences. Works Cited Eagleton, Terry. “The Nature of Evil.” Tikkoun 26.1 (2011): 80-94. Academic research completed. Internet. December 6, 2011. Formosa, Paul. “Kant on the Radical Evil of Human Nature.” Philosophical Forum 38.3 (2007): 221-245. Academic research completed. Internet. December 6, 2011. Thomas Aquinas, SUMMA THEOLOGICA, translated by the Fathers of the English Dominican Province (New York: Benziger Brothers, 1947) Volume 3, q. 72, a. 1, p. 902Hans Schwarz, Evil: A Historical and Theological Perspective (Lima, Ohio: Academic Renewal Press, 2001): 42-43Gaymon Bennett, Ted Peters, Martinez J. Hewlett, Robert John Russell (2008). “The Evolution of Evil.” Vandenhoeck and Ruprecht. p.318.Parry, Richard D. “Morality and Happiness: Book IV of Plato's Republic.” » Journal Of Education 178.3 (1996): 31. Academic research completed. Internet. December 6. 2011.