Whether good can be the cause of evil?

❌ Objection 1 : It would seem that good cannot be the cause of evil. For it is said (Mt. 7:18): "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit."

❌ Objection 2 : Further, one contrary cannot be the cause of another. But evil is the contrary to good. Therefore good cannot be the cause of evil.

❌ Objection 3 : Further, a deficient effect can proceed only from a deficient cause. But evil is a deficient effect. Therefore its cause, if it has one, is deficient. But everything deficient is an evil. Therefore the cause of evil can only be evil.

❌ Objection 4 : Further, Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that evil has no cause. Therefore good is not the cause of evil.