"The common good" is a very broad concept that may be interpreted in various ways. This idea originated back from the writing of Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero. A modern ethicist, John Rawls, defined it as "certain general conditions that are...equally to everyone's advantage." The "common good" has also been defined as "the sum of these conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment," by the Catholic tradition. As examples in the essay, the authors listed multiple political, economic, and social systems that may be referred to as part of "the common good." However, some may believe the common good does not exist. I agree, because our world is not perfect; however, it seems as though we still aim for this goal, in order to become a better nation.
A few examples listed were an accessible and affordable public health care system, peace among the nations of the world, and an unpolluted natural environment. Recently, health care has been a major issue, and still has not been resolved. Different plans have been proposed to solve this issue, such as universal health care (by President Obama), but one has not been laid out just yet. Next, people often wish for world peace, but this just seems impossible. Because each nation suffered from different foreign conflicts throughout history, it leaves nations continuously competing against each other, wanting to be "the best" in any way possible. There is also the desire to preserve nature and an unpolluted environment. This has become a more serious issue because of much deforestation, global warming, and various pollutions that have occurred throughout history and contributed to making this goal almost impossible. Factories and automobiles frequently pollute our air with the usage of gas, much sewage and waste pollutes water in different parts of the world, and the list goes on. However, with the desire to have the common good, people now try to save energy, recycle, and preserve land to protect the natural environment.
Overall, I think it is just human nature, people's competitiveness, our imperfections, and diverse beliefs (which may also lead to conflicts) that prevent us from really having a society where everyone is equal and have advantages from various social systems, institutions, and environments. Thus, "the common good" is merely a goal we dream of achieving, but is almost impossible because no one is perfect.
One thing that really stood out in your post was, "Because each nation suffered from different foreign conflicts throughout history, it leaves nations continuously competing against each other..."
ReplyDeleteI remember learning about all the conflicts in Africa that came about in effect of European colonization in World Cultures... It's really upsetting. And since the country borders are not drawn in consideration of the tribes but in the Europeans' own interests... Conflicts arise. It's unfortunate that people's competitiveness and beliefs can lead to violence.
Christine, this post is very insightful and I find myself continuously agreeing with you line after line. Was the idea of a common good made up just to try and get people motivated to put effort into helping one's country? The amount of things that would need to be done to have a perfect society is infinite, which is why the common good is merely an idea. Has the allure of a common good worked and in result gotten people to contribute to making the world a better place or no?
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post 100% The common good is unattainable because of the way humans naturally act. People are selfish and competitive, therefore will never give up anything in order to benefit the rest of society. Diversity and varying opinions also play a role because in order to achieve a common goal, everyone must know what that goal is. In today's society there is no clear cut idea of what the common good is and I believe it is something no one will ever agree on.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you say the common good in unrealistic, yet we try to reach the common good to become a better nation. You list and talk about several examples of major current issues going on today, that involve the common good of people. You looked at it on the federal level, showing that it is hard for everyone to come together. I also like how you stated we are very diverse making our ideas, opinions and morals very different from one another's.
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