I think like most organizations - they started with the best of intentions - however the reality of the "situation on the ground" forced them into the dark place they never intended to go.
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I'm not sure--and I'm not sure the writers are either. If I had to vote right now--based on what we've seen, I'd peg it as evil, due to the secrecy and the massive manipulations of technology that they've been experimenting with. That much power is never a good thing.
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oooo I've been asking myself that question for a few weeks now. I think that basically either Dharma or the others/hostiles have to be good, I don't think they both are. That being said my theory is two fold. I think that Dharma appears to be scientists out to do studies on the island. But their frequent distrust of people and missuse of the island makes me suspicious. I also think that the others appear to be bad people but are the protectors of the island and those that are "meant" to be there. I also believe that the others are good because their leader is John Locke, and he is without a doubt a good man. Maybe they appeared to be bad people because they were led by Ben? Who knows, all we can do is just watch and pay attention to all the awesome things that happen on each episode. Anyone else have a theory?
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Dharma does not appear to be connected to the island in any substantial way.

The Hostiles (Richard) however do appear to be connected to the island.

The fight between the Hostiles and Dharma seems to be a result of the space they occupy and maybe even the way that they're using the island.

Based on these things, I'm going to say that Dharma is evil.
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The Dharma Initiative is fundamentally evil... Exploiting those around them. Spying on their own. Mucking with time and space... But they have GREAT beer...

http://fc58.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/072/a/6/Dharma_Initiative_Wallpaper_by_MisterCrankyGeek.jpg
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