There are a variety of philosophical perspectives regarding the concept of good. Many believe that the good is a subjective, individualized concept. Others believe that the good is a shared and objective concept. Whether a good is objective or subjective depends on the context. In the context of ethics, for instance, a good may be what makes us feel good.
Aristotle, on the other hand, defined good as “rational judgments aimed at obtaining happiness.” The Epicureans and Stoics held that good was relative bodily pleasure. However, this view is essentially different from the view of Platonists, who defined good as the virtue of living in accordance with God’s commandments.
Although the term good has many definitions, Aristotle explains that it is a generic term that encompasses all categories, yet is independent of them. There is no single definition of good, but rather, various meanings of the word can be discerned by following the history of man’s conception of good.
Good has many connotations, including desire, quality, and necessity. For example, good news is welcomed, and a good review is an endorsement. A good school has the necessary qualities to educate students. Good health means that a person has the appropriate health for a particular purpose. A good English speaker has correct grammar. A good Catholic girl is someone who abides by the principles of a particular religion.
The common good is a concept in ethics. It is the primary principle that is cultivated in man through interaction. The common good consists of all the facilities and interests shared among a community. It is a value to all members of that community. All citizens have a special responsibility to uphold the common good.
Philosophers who accept the concept of good have different interpretations. Some are utilitarian, while others are deontologists. The latter view emphasizes the existentialist character of action. They argue that the good is expressed in being. This means that being is a condition of existence, and action is a form of good.
It is clear that men report more satisfaction with their jobs than women do. However, women report feeling that their jobs are good and are fairly compensated. For instance, women feel that they are paid 83 cents for each dollar earned by men. Furthermore, women report a higher confidence in the company’s future than men.