Instructions for the summary on Human Evil: The Mythical and True Causes of Violence

1. What is the myth of pure evil? Describe at least three elements.
Be sure you understand the word myth. The author is using the word to mean a belief that many people have but is not entirely true. In describing the myth of pure evil, Baumeister is describing the way that evil is often portrayed or perceived in our culture. He contrasts the way evil is portrayed with results from his studies of the perspectives of victims or perpetrators. The title itself indicates a distinction between the mythical and true causes of violence.

2. Describe an example of an event that fits at least one of these elements. This should be an example you come up with it could be an example in the news or an event that you know about. Do NOT copy an example from the reading. I am looking to see if you can apply this idea. You should describe an example where an action is portrayed in the way he describes it, but the reality was different.

3. Describe at least two root causes of evil.
4. Describe an example of an event that fits one of these causes. This should be an example you come up with it could be an example in the news or an event that you know about. Do NOT copy an example from the reading. I am looking to see if you can apply this idea.