Invention of good and evil

Today is Holy Thursday, the beginning of the four-day commemoration of the Passion and Death of Christ. The week begins with the Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and moves on to Good Friday with the Crucifixion and Death. It ends with the glorious festival of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

This is the eternal story of the sacrifice of Christ to make up for the evil in the world. For me, it is also the triumphant story of good eventually defeating evil.

The first thing that attracted me to purchase the book was its title, “The Invention of Good and Evil: A World History of Morality.” After all, I was raised and educated to believe that good and evil are not invented.

Sauer presents a thought-provoking exploration of morality, tracing its historical development and questioning its origins. The book challenges the conventional perception of ethics as absolute, arguing instead that moral constructs are largely influenced by societal needs, historical circumstances and human psychology. By weaving together philosophy, history and cognitive science, Sauer provides a compelling narrative that invites readers to reconsider the foundations of morality itself.

“Morality is a tool that helps us navigate social life, but it is not carved in stone. It has changed before, and it will change again.”

This is the central message in this book by Hanno Sauer (Oxford University Press, 2024), which may make it difficult for people like myself to accept. I was raised and educated in the Catholic Church and the principles of the Ten Commandments and Church teachings are never ending as far as my personal life is concerned. The author is a professor of ethics at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.

However, this perspective challenges the readers regarding the legitimacy of moral absolutes.

This argument extends into modern times, as the book critiques how governments, corporations and media outlets manipulate moral discourse to their advantage.

This is especially true in today’s world where fake news has become difficult to distinguish from actual news. For example, we also have world leaders deliberately manipulating the news and asserting falsehoods and yet are allowed to get away with it.

Recently, President Trump stated publicly that Ukraine is the aggressor when it is very clear that it is Russia which invaded Ukraine.

The book is divided into several sections, each dissecting a key aspect of morality’s evolution. The first part delves into early human societies, examining how moral codes likely emerged from the necessity of cooperation and survival. Sauer references historical and anthropological studies to illustrate how different cultures have defined “good” and “evil” over time.

A particularly striking section explores the role of reason in shaping moral beliefs. Sauer presents a comparative analysis of moral theories, arguing that moral principles often evolve through rational discourse rather than divine command or innate human nature. As the book progresses, it investigates how morality has been manipulated for political and ideological purposes, making a strong case that ethical principles are not fixed but socially constructed.

The final chapters discuss the implications of a world where morality is fluid rather than rigid. Sauer suggests that recognizing morality’s malleability does not necessarily lead to nihilism but instead provides an opportunity for ethical progress. By understanding the origins and functions of morality, societies can strive for more just and inclusive moral frameworks.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its interdisciplinary approach. Sauer seamlessly integrates philosophy with historical and scientific evidence, making the text accessible to both academic and general audiences. The writing is engaging, filled with vivid examples and anecdotes that bring abstract concepts to life.

Furthermore, the book does not merely deconstruct morality but also offers a constructive perspective. Instead of leaving readers in moral uncertainty, Sauer encourages ethical evolution and adaptability, suggesting that societies should consciously refine moral principles based on fairness, empathy and rational thought.

While the book presents a compelling case, some readers may find its stance too relativistic. If morality is entirely constructed, does this mean there are no fundamental ethical principles? Sauer addresses this concern but does not offer a definitive answer, leaving some ambiguity in the discussion.

Additionally, while the historical and philosophical analysis is strong, the book could benefit from a deeper engagement with contemporary ethical dilemmas. Topics such as artificial intelligence, climate ethics and globalization are briefly mentioned but not explored in depth.

The biggest weakness in the book is its failure to discuss the role of religion in shaping moral beliefs. As far as I am concerned, morality and moral principles cannot be discussed without acknowledging the central role of major religions.

“Understanding that morality is invented does not strip it of its importance – it gives us the power to shape it wisely.” The reader like me has every right to question this quotation.

Who really shapes morality?  I still feel strongly that moral principles are still dictated by the teachings of religious leaders like Jesus Christ.