What is "goodness?"

I'm asking each and every one of you this question-What is goodness? You were told by your parents to "be good." The government claims to know what is good and bad, that's why they and only they can pass laws. If you are a parent, I am sure that you have tried to teach your children the difference between right and wrong, good and bad; but do you know yourself? Maybe you do. I am here speaking about the word "goodness" in a moral sense. What is goodness? After you've answered the question, I want you to pass it on. Ask your parents, relatives, friends, etc. Ask your priest if you have one. Their answers(or lack of them) may surprise you.

What is "goodness?"

Society has generally defined "goodness" as anything that aids and doesn't hinder peaceful reproduction within your own family or community. Any person or country or situation that messes with that is considered "bad" or "evil."

a reply to: Aristotelian1

Goodness is, as I understand it, any act with mindfulness that causes no harm.

I think Reeses peanut butter cups are good. I think Figs and Dates are bad.

Other than that, everything else is a matter of perspective.

originally posted by: kelbtalfenek
a reply to: Aristotelian1

Goodness is, as I understand it, any act with mindfulness that causes no harm.

What is your definition of "mindfulness?" And are you speaking of all cases of harm?

originally posted by: rickymouse
I think Reeses peanut butter cups are good. I think Figs and Dates are bad.

Other than that, everything else is a matter of perspective.

Are you saying that there is no such thing as right and wrong?

originally posted by: Blue Shift
Society has generally defined "goodness" as anything that aids and doesn't hinder peaceful reproduction within your own family or community. Any person or country or situation that messes with that is considered "bad" or "evil."

Reproduction? As in sexual reproduction?

a reply to: Aristotelian1

Darkness is the absence of light. Goodness is the absence of badness.

It used to be called good and evil, that which people do unto each other is either a good thing… or not.

I don't hold for do gooding, the acts of what some a call good, aren't.

I think if you don't run around doing bad things to others, then you're alright.

originally posted by: intrptr
a reply to: Aristotelian1

Darkness is the absence of light. Goodness is the absence of badness.

It used to be called good and evil, that which people do unto each other is either a good thing… or not.

I don't hold for do gooding, the acts of what some a call good, aren't.

I think if you don't run around doing bad things to others, then you're alright.

Okay. What is badness? By your own admission you have to define badness to know what goodness is.

This is just one short version of what I think goodness is...

I think being good is to take care of yourself, your family, your village, your society, your planet. To make sure you are contributing to ideas and processes that promote the health and wealth of those things. Taking care of those who also contribute, but who are perhaps low in health, or wealth, and need assistance. Not being afraid to ask for help yourself when you need it, as a contributing member of society. Protecting these things from the bad that is inevitably out there. etc....


-Alee

originally posted by: Aristotelian1

originally posted by: rickymouse
I think Reeses peanut butter cups are good. I think Figs and Dates are bad.

Other than that, everything else is a matter of perspective.

Are you saying that there is no such thing as right and wrong?

To live in societies we have to create a right and wrong. There are also exclusions made for these.

It is all right to kill your enemy in a war but it is murder if you kill someone in society. If someone is trying to hurt you, it is alright to kill them within certain parameters. Also, your status in society is considered as to what is considered adequate.

So where is the line, it kind of wanders all over the place.

originally posted by: rickymouse

originally posted by: Aristotelian1

originally posted by: rickymouse
I think Reeses peanut butter cups are good. I think Figs and Dates are bad.

Other than that, everything else is a matter of perspective.

Are you saying that there is no such thing as right and wrong?

To live in societies we have to create a right and wrong. There are also exclusions made for these.

It is all right to kill your enemy in a war but it is murder if you kill someone in society. If someone is trying to hurt you, it is alright to kill them within certain parameters. Also, your status in society is considered as to what is considered adequate.

So where is the line, it kind of wanders all over the place.

So do you or do you not have a definition for goodness?

originally posted by: Aristotelian1
Reproduction? As in sexual reproduction?

What else?

Behavior that increases joy (mutualistic) for all effected by the behavior not allowing anyone to be effected negative (parasitic) by the behavior.

Some religions have a very warped idea of good and evil and are in some cases deviating from objective good and evil. There is a lot behavior that is accepted in western society that is when your really examine it on a mutualistic vs parasitic duality scale, objectivly evil and would not be accepted from a really moral soul. Usury and monetary Ponzi schemes run by the powerful is a perfect example from my point of view.

originally posted by: Aristotelian1
I'm asking each and every one of you this question-What is goodness?

Didn't you see the movie "Wall Street" ?

Greed is good.

Hence, goodness == greediness.

originally posted by: Blue Shift

originally posted by: Aristotelian1
Reproduction? As in sexual reproduction?

What else?

And do you agree with this definition?

originally posted by: AMPTAH

originally posted by: Aristotelian1
I'm asking each and every one of you this question-What is goodness?

Didn't you see the movie "Wall Street" ?

Greed is good.

Hence, goodness == greediness.

Is that your opinion?

originally posted by: LittleByLittle
Behavior that increases joy (mutualistic) for all effected by the behavior not allowing anyone to be effected negative (parasitic) by the behavior.

Some religions have a very warped idea of good and evil and are in some cases deviating from objective good and evil. There is a lot behavior that is accepted in western society that is when your really examine it on a mutualistic vs parasitic duality scale, objectivly evil and would not be accepted from a really moral soul. Usury and monetary Ponzi schemes run by the powerful is a perfect example from my point of view.

So your definition is "all cases of behavior that produces all pleasure and no pain?"

a reply to: Aristotelian1

Good is to justly translate the spirit for the love of others.

Good is Father.
Just is Jesus.
Love is the Spirit.

Father translates the spirit of God unto the body.

That's the basics.

originally posted by: Bleeeeep
a reply to: Aristotelian1

Good is to justly translate the spirit for the love of others.

Good is Father.
Just is Jesus.
Love is the Spirit.

Father translates the spirit of God unto the body.

That's the basics.

Those are all just words with no meanings.