Are Humans Inherently Evil?

10. Yes: We Are Socialised

Surely living in a socialised, civilised society is the opposite of inherently evil? Well, not exactly.

Humans live in highly structured societies with hierarchies and laws. A massive part of the government in most societies is dedicated to deciding which acts are acceptable and which are not, and quantifying them with equivalent punishments. 

These laws are put in place to prevent people from harming others and to punish them if they do, all very noble, surely?

But what does it say about the nature of humans that we need rules in place in order to control our natural tendencies towards violence, aggression and sadism. 

As the Eleventh Doctor so aptly put it "Good men don't need rules. Today is not the day to find out why I have so many."

The very fact that we have to actively deter people from committing evil deeds through a complex system of laws and punishments is pretty screwed up. It is an act of self-preservation, a mutual agreement between members of society in order to protect ourselves from each other.

Most people might argue that, even if the laws weren't there, they wouldn't go around committing crimes - but are you only saying that because you've been socialised to think so?