Evil is the violation of a moral code. Evil is the dualistic opposite of good. Evil causes damage. Although scattered dictionaries may offer these clear definitions, in reality a theme so widespread in all spheres of life since the dawn of man takes on unlimited forms. The word itself has come to symbolize the dividing line between normal people and insensitive monsters; demonic criminals who show no sign of compassion and no commitment to virtue. Ideas regarding evil have spread in schools of theology, in the minds of society, and in philosophical theories throughout the history of mankind. The dichotomy between the opposing ideas of good and evil distinguishes a gray area ignored by the black and white view of morality. In this gray area, reason, incentive and relativism come to light. It is only when one investigates the meaning of evil from religious, social and philosophical points of view that one can 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 typically encompassed by associations with charity, happiness, love, and prosperity. Evil, on the other hand, can represent deliberate wrongdoing, actions aimed at harming others, humiliation of people with the intent of belittling their needs and dignity, and acts of violence. Although each major religion differs in distinguishing the two conceptions of morality, good and evil are cultural universals that originate from pre-Socratic philosophical notions. Morality in its absolute sense can be traced back to Plato's dialogues. Book IV of Plato's “Republic”......middle of the sheet......and on their experiences.Works CitedEagleton, Terry. "The nature of evil." Tikkun 26.1 (2011): 80-94. Academic research completed. Network. 6 December 2011.Formosa, Paolo. "Kant on the radical evil of human nature". Philosophical Forum 38.3 (2007): 221-245. Academic research completed. Network. 6 December 2011. Thomas Aquinas, SUMMA THEOLOGICA, translation of the Fathers of the English Dominican Province (New York: Benziger Brothers, 1947) Volume 3, q. 72, a. 1, page. 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. Network. December 6. 2011.