What is Good?

889 Words2 Pages

What is Good?

Good, a word used by all, but most not truly knowing what the true concept of good actually is. What is good? Good, in my own understanding, entails an act or statement that is, not only morally and perceptively correct in the eyes of others, but also in one's own eyes. There is a sense of accomplishment; a sense of achievement felt when something good has been done. This feeling usually does not only pertain to the individual, but also to those around him who might have benefited in one way or another from his/her good deed or statement.

It is important to note that morals only apply to individual action and consequence. Ethics, however, apply to the actions of two or more people. Ethics are meaningless unless applied in a social context. Ethics serve to define the acceptable actions of the individual within the social structure. Ethics are established through the consensus of many people and with the guidance of human experience. Ethics serve the purpose of deciding what is right in society according to your peers, subordinates, and superiors.

With morality, ones behavior is held to an ideal code of conduct. Ethics, however, deals with an imperfect, but attainable set of practices. It is left to the individual to take a decision that is moral, regardless of its ethical standing. Socrates held that 'To know the good is to do the good.' By this, he meant that no man knowingly acts against his own interest. Socrates believed that no man could knowingly do wrong if that person truly knew the right course of action. This idea of good would best be described as unattainable; however, there are instances in everyone's life that feel good.

I have had many personal experiences during my lifetime that have ...

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... morality is more important in making a decision than anything else and it is important for one to understand that he/she should uphold his/her personal standards before anyone else's wants, desires, or beliefs are adhered to. An ethical decision that does not uphold one's personal moral beliefs is not a good decision and shouldn't be made. Something that will bring good into one's life is a decision that is made upholding their personal moral beliefs, whether or not that decision agrees with the ethical stance on the issue. It is the individual's responsibility to make a moral decision regardless of the ethical standing in order to achieve this good. Society wants most of the people to do what is right most of the time, encouraging the people to be moral in their decisions, causing good in our everyday life, even concerning the most minute details of our lives.

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