Like the usual scenario at newspaper stands, a few men and some boys stood discussing politics and the biggest name in town-COVID 19. After a while of silence, Ade stated his opinion about the likely eventuality of using human volunteers for vaccine development tagging it as a necessary evil. However, his use of words met with criticisms from self-declared moralists and religious men. “There is nothing like necessary evil”, Mr. James interjected. While some described it as nothing more than an eponymous glorification of moral decadence, others described it as a way of justifying bad deeds. Appalled by the strong opposition and bemused by the general uproar, Ade decided to let sleeping dogs lie by keeping mute on the subject.
The concept of necessary evil has for a long time been a subject of epistemological and ethical argument by renowned world philosophers. Despite the many theories and logical approaches, there has been no record of any consensus on the side of both parties. In an opinion poll, a few youths gave their respective view about it. To lay emphasis on the diversity of views, here are the responses from two people.
“Looking at the definition, a ‘necessary evil’ is something one would rather not do but will have to do to get certain results or fulfill certain requirements. Now, many students will tell you they hate exams; they’ll complain bitterly and tease their friends who read but Las las, they’ll do what they can to pass, because they need a certain amount of credits to finish up school, and especially in today’s world where a lot of importance is based on academic excellence. So, therefore, it falls under the category of a necessary evil and proves that they exist”
Babanifemi.
“Evil is evil, there are no two ways to it, anyone involved in any evil act should be punished. Whether it is necessary or not does not make it right”
Jubril.
Instead of joining the bandwagon of intellectuals who choose to argue the logic behind the phrase. It is necessary —for the sake of humanity at least— to reach a compromise, especially since it is finding its way into political and administrative vocabulary as a household parlance.
SUBJECTIVITY OF GOOD AND EVIL
It is of great expedience that the subjectivity of good and evil be discussed because — just like a garment — the word “necessary” (in the above context) has been sequined to “evil”. In a world of cultural and religious diversity and moral differences, having a uniform definition of evil seem like an Ignis faatus. This, though indirectly, has affected the perception of people on how evil of all things can be tagged as necessary. However, despite the differences, there are to a large extent some ideas or opinions deemed evil by the majority of the world despite religion or culture. Things like murder, dishonesty, and stealing, lying fall into this general category. One may then however begin to wonder. In what concepts do they become necessary?
WHAT DOES IT EVEN MEAN?
The first step to take in reaching a consensus is to agree on the meaning of the concept in question. Some define it as something one would rather not do, others as a cover up for bad deeds. To avoid oversimplification or complications, it would be best to define it as the most utilitarian and reasonable course of action for someone caught in a moral dilemma. Careful analysis of people’s view has shown the wide discrepancy that exists between people’s conception of the topic. In a less serious tone, necessary evil can be used to describe “would rather not” but “must do”. However, in a serious sense. It is applicable to people caught in between two real evils – the devil and the deep blue sea.
MISUSE OF THE WORD
As stated earlier, the phrase “necessary evil has found its way into political and administrative vocabulary and is often used by tricksters to cover up their deeds. It is a general convention that one does not get involved in politics without getting his hands dirty. In what way does stealing public funds count as necessary evil, on what account? Paying your wards’ school fee? In what way also does rusticating Mr. A (in the name of discipline) for leading peaceful protests count as necessary evil? The use of the phrase in Machiavellian shows that Justice and morals betrays the attachment of the word necessary. In these instances, it is pure evil and it has to be nipped in the bud if possible.
REAL MORAL DILEMMAS
Everyone agrees that killing is evil, even the most hardened of criminals agree to the immorality behind greed and stealing. However, instances of necessity may come up when these things would have to be done. Some of the instances are highlighted below
1. A soldier has to choose between killing (not indiscriminately) in the line of duty and obeying his religion that has commanded him not to.
2. A doctor in event of euthanasia.
3. Spies and detectives sometimes have to lie or assume false identities to carry out their duties.
4. The use of animals and human cadavers without which medical practices would still be as of the medieval ages.
Individuals in these instances are like the proverbial men with mosquitoes on their scrotums, should they hit the mosquitoes and injure themselves or should they leave the mosquitoes to continue to feed at the expense of their own discomfort?
CONCLUSION
Having weighed the pros and cons, the willingness to agree to the existence of necessary evil is left to all of us – being a subjective discourse – to give a fair judgment. For the sake of posterity and humanity, it would be of great help if instead of being some arm chair critics. All individuals would put themselves in the shoes of others before totally condemning their actions as good or bad. Rather, the most reasonable course of action would be to proffer the best possible solution (in instances of real moral dilemmas) in all sense of altruism. The power to change the world lies in our hands, wisdom dictates to shape it right.
