Common
Absence of good
Theological and philosophical doctrine
Absence of good
Absence of good (Latin: privatio boni), also known as the privation theory of evil, is a theological and philosophical doctrine. It states that evil is not a substance as good is but merely an absence or lack of good. Therefore, everything that exists is good simply because it exists. It could be suggested that evil is either non-substance or complete absence. Evil can be considered to be a parasite on the good it lacks and corrupts. The privation theory is associated mostly with late antique and medieval Christianity, with particular attention to Augustine of Hippo. Drawing on Neoplatonism, especially Plotinus's views, he stated that evil is a privation of goodness that God created in all things. The theory was later discussed by Boethius, Pseudo-Dionysius, John of Damascus, Thomas Aquinas, and early modern philosophers including Spinoza and Leibniz, in modified forms Similar concepts appear outside historic Christian thought. For example, authoritative texts of the Baháʼí Faith describe...
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