Ethical concepts that address the ontological basis of moral values consider the distinction between good and evil not as a result of empirical observation, but as something rooted in the very nature of existence and the fundamental principles of reason.

Ontological Reflections on Good and Evil

Ethical concepts that address the ontological basis of moral values consider the distinction between good and evil not as a result of empirical observation, but as something rooted in the very nature of existence and the fundamental principles of reason. Thus, the criteria for distinguishing between good and evil arise from the idea that good represents the unconditional norm of life and activity—that is, it is already embedded at the very beginning of differentiation as an ideal toward which moral consciousness aspires. For example, as noted in one of the sources, "the very first distinction between good and evil already contains the idea of good or benefit, without any limitations, embodying the unconditional norm of life and activity" (source: link txt). This means that moral differentiation is not merely a conditional assessment of empirical facts, but a reflection of a profound, ontologically substantiated value.

Moreover, other discussions emphasize that evil is not an independent, absolute entity—its nature is defined as a parasitic presence within good, which always carries a touch of positivity in its striving to conquer man: "evil always inevitably mixes with a certain degree of searching for the positive…" (source: link txt). Such a position indicates that the criteria for distinguishing good and evil are inherently complex and catalyzed by the ontological stance of good as an absolute principle, compelling moral consciousness to continuously engage in reflection beyond mere observation.

Thus, within the framework of ontologically substantiated ethical concepts, the distinction between good and evil is based on the idea that good represents the primary, unconditional norm, while evil arises as a result of the distortion or incompleteness in the manifestation of this ideal in real life. The methodology for assessment is not limited to an empirical analysis of specific actions but demands deep reflection from moral consciousness capable of capturing the universality of good and its unattainable absolute nature in the empirical world.

Supporting citation(s):
"Only God is absolute. Evil, not being an entity in its own right but merely a negation of free creature's initial Being—God, cannot be absolute, and therefore pure evil does not exist…" (source: link txt)

"Man may be more or less ashamed, compassionate, religious: ... The very first distinction between good and evil already contains the idea of good or benefit, without any limitations, embodying the unconditional norm of life and activity." (source: link txt)