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Old 03-07-2007, 02:02 PM   #53
Raynor
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sarmisegethuza
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Delighting in evil in the sense of having fun killing people? Then yes, I certainly agree.
Well, not fun in doing them was my point, but in "witnessing" instances of evil, in and of itself.
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is thinking about killing someone evil, or is it only evil if you actually do it?
As I have argued, morality is defined first and foremost by intention.

I would also consider Tolkien's own statements:
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Originally Posted by Footnotes to Melkor /Morgoth, Myths Transformed
Every finite creature must have some weakness: that is some inadequacy to deal with some situations. It is not sinful when not willed, and when the creature does his best (even if it is not what should be done) as he sees it - with the conscious intent of serving Eru.
therefore, an good intention defines the morality of the action, almost regardless of consequences [Edit: and this is why I consider that Tolkien stated in letter #246 that "To ourselves we must present the absolute ideal without compromise, for we do not know our own limits of natural strength (+grace), and if we do not aim at the highest we shall certainly fall short of the utmost that we could achieve." - good intent saves, but it requires full cooperation/dedication]
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Originally Posted by Letter #181
I am afraid, whatever our beliefs, we have to face the fact that there are persons who yield to temptation, reject their chances of nobility or salvation, and appear to be 'damnable'. Their 'damnability' is not measurable in the terms of the macrocosm (where it may work good). But we who are all 'in the same boat' must not usurp the Judge.
therefore, an evil intent defines the morality of an action as evil, even if "macrocosmically" it may result in good.
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Last edited by Raynor; 03-07-2007 at 02:07 PM.
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