THE ORIGIN OF THE CONCEPTS OF GOOD AND EVIL: A HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The concepts of good and evil have occupied a central place in human thought since the earliest stages of civilization. These notions have shaped moral systems, religious doctrines, philosophical traditions, and social institutions across cultures. The present study examines the origins and historical development of the concepts of good and evil from religious, philosophical, and linguistic perspectives. By analyzing ancient mythologies, major world religions, and influential philosophical theories, the paper demonstrates that the understanding of good and evil has evolved alongside humanity’s intellectual and cultural progress. The findings suggest that these concepts are not static categories but dynamic constructs reflecting changing human perceptions of morality, justice, and existence.