Evil thoughts without actions?
Can a thought without a corresponding action be morally wrong? More fully, under which approaches to morality do thoughts, in and of themselves, carry moral significance? In particular I'm looking for approaches that yield affirmative answers to the initial question. In in some (naive) utilitarian approaches, I can see arguments in the negative: since there are no (significant -- maybe there is some very minor self-harm) negative outcomes from just the thought itself, they're not really bad. This is where my intuition lies. The only positive case I can think of is under theism: the thought can be an affront to God. But I have only vague notions on this so any elaboration on the idea of "thought sins" under specific religious dogma would be appreciated.
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1 Expert Answer
Thomas Carlyle - Thought is the parent of the deed.
It is the start of evil that is the most evil, not the fruit. Once you've become a heroin addict there goes your freedom of action, so what starts you on that path is evil. The insight comes from the almost unquestioned view in ethics that even a false conscience must be obeyed. Then you say, well how can I be evil in that case? You can be evil because of something you should have done to not get that false conscience.
When you nurse the idea "I'd like to kill that guy" you fail in the charity you owe the other and you fail in the warping that your personality undergoes. Hence the advice to think on whatever is good, true, or beautiful.
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Sorita D.
Do we think God’s thoughts or those of this world? Granted, we have likely conformed our conduct to God’s requirements. But what about our thinking? Are we bringing our thoughts and viewpoints into alignment with Jehovah’s? Doing so requires a deliberate effort. On the other hand, little or no effort is needed to absorb the world’s thinking. That is because the spirit of the world is all around us. (Eph. 2:2) However, if we allow the world to mold our thinking, we will be inclined toward selfishness and a desire for moral independence. (Mark 7:21, 22) It is therefore vital that we cultivate “God’s thoughts,” not “those of men.” This article will help us. It considers reasons why aligning our thoughts with Jehovah’s is not overly restrictive but beneficial. It also shows us how we can resist being molded by the thinking of the world. Like a good parent, Jehovah wants his children to have the most fulfilling life possible. (Isa. 48:17, 18) He therefore provides basic principles for moral conduct and for behavior toward others. In such matters he invites us to cultivate his very way of thinking and to share his values. Far from constraining us, this enhances, elevates, and expands our thinking ability. (Ps. 92:5; Prov. 2:1-5; Isa. 55:9) It helps us make choices that lead to happiness while still allowing us to blossom as individuals. (Ps. 1:2, 3) Yes, thinking like Jehovah is beneficial and desirable!https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/memorial/remember-jesus-death/03/25/22