James Hillman’s Insights into the Causes of Evil in Human Action

Abstract

The article examines the problem of human evil through the perspective of James Hillman. It addresses two cases: the actions of psychopathic individuals and the mass crimes committed by ordinary people during wartime. Using an interpretive method grounded in depth psychology and supported by references to Socrates, Augustine, Kant, Hare, and Welzer, the text analyses whether evil can be an intentional aim rather than the result of error or weakness. The analysis shows that Hillman challenges the long-standing cultural conviction that evil is always derivative. His conception of the “demonic” or archetypal dimension of violence offers an interpretive framework that complements empirical research. While such an approach does not seek to excuse perpetrators, it does provide a philosophical explanation as to why both psychopaths and ordinary citizens may engage in extreme acts of cruelty.