The Origin(s), Meaning, and Relevance of the Concept of Intrinsic Evil

The starting point of this study is a curious observation that 'intrinsic evil', a normative term predominantly associated with Catholic sexual ethics, seems to be expanding in its usage so that it is now frequently invoked in various theological disciplines, Church practice, and even interventions of representatives of the Church in public discourse. Broadly defined, the term 'intrinsic evil' refers to those acts that are always morally wrong, no matter the circumstances and intention of the agent. In order to assess this recent development in the usage of the term intrinsic evil, this study undertakes a historical analysis of the origin(s) and meaning of the concept of intrinsic evil and a critical-hermeneutical assessment of its current usage and relevance in theological ethics and in wider public discourse.