https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1886529281116835932.html

much much more at the link...
This willful and conscious evil...
"Willful and conscious evil" refers to actions or behaviors that are intentionally and knowingly carried out with the intent to cause harm, suffering, or destruction. This concept implies that the person committing the act is fully aware of the negative consequences of their actions and chooses to proceed regardless, often driven by malice, selfishness, or a disregard for the well-being of others.
Key elements of willful and conscious evil include:
1. **Intentional**: The person deliberately chooses to act in a way that they know will cause harm.
2. **Awareness**: The person is fully conscious of the moral implications and the likely negative outcomes of their actions.
3. **Moral Responsibility**: The person is morally accountable for their actions because they had the capacity to choose otherwise but opted for the harmful path.
Examples of willful and conscious evil can range from personal acts of cruelty, such as bullying or abuse, to larger-scale atrocities like genocide or terrorism. In philosophy and theology, this concept is often discussed in the context of free will, moral responsibility, and the nature of evil.
The idea challenges us to consider the depths of human morality and the capacity for individuals to choose actions that are harmful, even when they are fully aware of the consequences.