What is a good idea? How do you know?

Answer 1

If it's a theoretical idea it's good if it has *all* the following qualities:

1. Comprehensibility. This means being made up of clear and distinct ideas, not being confused nor confusing.
2. Coherence. Being without self-contradiction.
3. Testability. This means there has to be some possible evidence that would show it to be faulty. (People tend to think that if an idea is compatible with any evidence whatever then that's a good thing, but it isn't, because if the idea is compatible but also false then nothing can show it to be false. This might be fine if you don't care about the truth, but I'm assuming you do).

A practical idea is good if:

1. It works. It produces the effect it is claimed to produce.
2. It is efficient. It produces the maximum positive output from each unit of input.
3. It has no major negative effects, neither in the short-term future nor the long-term.

Answer 2

I would imagine a good idea is one that fulfills a certain need, (should it be implemented).

There is of course, the need to regard all possible outcomes from it's implementation as possibly negative, and doing your best to foresee a negative impact.

A good idea would be one where the probable outcome from it's implementation either solves a problem or provides a positive service.

Answer 3

An idea is good if it benefits you or someone you know. If not, how could it be a good idea?

Answer 4

If I came up with it, it's good...I know

Answer 5

If it is SUCCESSFUL and every one APPRECIATE it.