Fundamentally, the power of evil is derivative: well-intentioned people lend it power because of their lack of awareness and mental confusion. In particular, many people fail to grasp basic ethical issues, such as those addressed in this course. Consequently, they are easily beguiled into lending their support to policies and systems that are eventually destructive to human lives. The most effective antidotes to evil in the long run are logic and clear ideas, by which such moral confusion can be eliminated.

Another potent weapon, it is sometimes pointed out, is the refusal to sanction evil. This weapon, however, cannot be wielded until we have a clear understanding of the nature of good and evil. Furthermore, it is only by means of clear ideas that others can be persuaded to withdraw their sanction from evil. The ultimate battle is fought in the field of ideas, and the ultimate weapon is philosophical clarity and understanding.

Let us now return to Robinson Crusoe's island, where we shall provide him with a companion.

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