Discussion Quote
In the epilogue, Dostoevsky writes "'Now, what do they find so hideous in my action?' he kept saying to himself. 'That it was an evildoing? What does the word 'evildoing' mean? My conscience is clear."
This quote is quite relevant to the discussions we were having about the survey about how its all about what someone perceives as evil or good. Can we call other people's actions good or bad if they have a differently aligned moral compass? This example is extreme of course, as most would certainly agree that murder is evil. But Rodion is not part of the most, at least at this part of the epilogue. For a different example, if someone breaks the speed limit, they have technically broken the law. Have they done something evil? In this case it's almost not even worth discussing, but where between murder and being in a hurry do we draw the line where people can't just say it was alright with their conscience and move on? When it affects us? When it affects others we know? Can we ever?
I think that is a very interesting discussion to have. Most people would equate breaking the law bad but not evil until yeah you reach a line and past that we find things like murder and such. I think part of it may come with that universal good and bad that Lewis was talking about. That addresses the whole is it bad thing, but evil is totally different. It's taking the action to a whole new level. I think evil deeds are those that have the motive of destruction. I know that others may not view it like that but that would be my opinion. Good discussion topic.
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