Why or When Is Something Good?

Kristoffer E. Co

11330082

WHY OR WHEN IS SOMETHING GOOD?

Universally, as we understand it, good is something positive that describes an event or a quality that is above average from what is normally expected. The description of good is subjective to the individuals taste, personal judgment or biases. Something good can also bring a person to a more relaxed and satisfying state. Some people may perceive things as good while others see it as below standard. By standard, we mean it as the reference point against which things are evaluated, so what may be good for me might not be good for you. Determining good can also be derived from doing something and evaluating the consequences. When the consequence has a negative effect, it may reflect on the poor decision-making of the person. On the other hand, when the decision has a positive consequence, it may reflects goodness from the individual.

In our country, there is a religious criteria which guides as to what is good and what is bad or not allowed by society. This can be our basis for goodness. Since majority of the population in the Philippines fall under the same religion, there can be a standard perception of goodness. We may determine the differences through what we have learned. Through time, we have developed morals that may have influenced us through past experiences. One’s definition of good can really differ from another.

For example, given the headline “A 30-year old man who suffers from severe cerebral palsy making her physically helpless, unable to move, and in constant pain is being kept alive against his will through involuntary forced feeding.” Now the question is, if he was given passive euthanasia or opted for active euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide, would that be bad? Well, it is debatable, although in my opinion, it is not “bad” per say given his condition. Similarly, more often than not, things in life are grey rather than black and white or good or bad. Putting yourself in the shoes of the human being experiencing that particular situation is the key to seeing that.

Goodness may also be determined in situations that are not in favor to one person. Their adaptable disposition can be a factor in doing good. It depends on one’s instinct whether or not he makes the better decision or not. Goodness can also be measured between a selfish or a selfless act. It can be determined in an instance wherein you are to decide whether or to benefit yourself or benefit others instead.

It can be determined by the feeling you get after doing one thing. “Are you satisfied?”, “Are you happy?”, “Would it be something you would like to do again?” These are the types of questions that you can ask yourself to evaluate if what you have done is good.