Theory of Manipulation of Fixed and Conditional Evil

A highly controversial experimental theory and proposed societal model that examines whether or not it is possible to manipulate and take advantage of the public perception and concept of ‘evil’ and ‘villains’. Working under the proposal that the human condition is ‘always 50% capable of beneficial acts and 50% capable of maleficent acts at any given point’, it has been hypothesized that if it stands to reason that evil will always exist, then ‘evil’ acts might as well be controlled and mediated for the benefit of society. Some acts would be “allowed” to exist from time to time without public knowledge, while others would be severely discouraged.

'Fixed evil' refers to acts that can be considered universally evil under (almost) any circumstance and are most definitely unacceptable by human moral standards, while 'Conditional evil' refers to acts that can be perceived as acts of lesser evil depending on the context and intention behind the act. Rape, for example, is considered a fixed evil as there almost always (a little room is always left for any act, in the case of variables that we are possibly not yet aware of) exists no justification for this evil act, while murder is conditional as it can sometimes be justified as an act of self-defense. In an idealized society where this process is implemented, society will be kept alert and on its toes as evil acts keep occurring and even encourage progress in the public subconscious, under the assumption that:

1. Setbacks will inspire positive progress;
2. Consequence will inspire positive change; and
3. A sufficiently-challenging common enemy or obstacle will inspire unity amongst the populace.

Basically, negative events will inspire positive change to fix them, and the more challenging a negative event is to a society, the more drastic the positive change and mindsets will have to become in order to adapt to it. Acts of fixed evil will always be punished, while conditional evil, whenever justified, will be allowed to exist from time to time. When used to instigate a drastic cultural reset, it may be useful to target more specific aspects of society that are in need of change. This process should not be taken lightly, as there are sheer moral and ethical implications involved.

A survey was conducted, and those with traits commonly associated with possessing a sufficiently-warped Messiah complex and believe they would practice this process claimed to be those who are willing to sacrifice their morals for the benefit of the society, as in the case of members of supervillain organization ‘The Gauntlet’. It is important to note that the populace should not be aware of this method being in implementation in order for it to work, as there will be active backlash and criticism if ever. The theory was developed in an examination of whether or not the concept of ‘evil’ could be manipulated for the public benefit. However, it has seen much controversy, backlash and criticism for being extremely flawed, and those supporting or even remotely suggesting it have been under harsh scrutiny and ridicule to the point of harassment. It was reportedly what inspired the actions of The Gauntlet, who committed increasingly serious acts of terrorism under the name of ‘extremist utilitarianism'.