I think what people mean, when they say "evil doesn't exist" is that "evil" is subjective (defined by the shifting sands of perception) - therefore "evil" is something that cannot be said to "exist" in the same say things defined by objective terms exist. In other words, when you state that "evil exists" - what exactly are you stating exists? There isn't a discrete class described by the term "evil" - a suggestion made by the rhetoric of monotheism. This is the specific rebuttal I think people are usually making when they say "evil doesn't exist"...
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Originally Posted by 9th Engineer
The difference in how we react stems directly from what we are told to think in school and by the media, the rationalizing and explaining any evils done by parties protected under PC law is pervasive and acceptable by most in our society.
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This isn't a very productive analysis, to simply chalk up any difference in opinion to the influence of over-simplified outside forces. It's like telling somebody "you voted for <certain politician> because you watch <certain cable news network> and you can't think for yourself." The possibility exists that people have well-reasoned opinions to support almost any position.
So...I'm curious: what is your definition of the word "evil" . . . ?