What are your views of the 'inherent good/bad of humans' debate? Examples would be great! Thanks!?

Question

I'm talking about the inherent goodness & evilness of humans (i.e - Lord of the Flies, etc.)

Answer 1

Good and Evil are subjective terms of human personality. A bias can be deemed as "good" or "bad", depending on the culture that views it.

In the Lord of the Flies, "good" is sublimely defined for the reader as adherence to civilized laws. And within this narrow definition, the antagonist and protagonist seem to be clearly recognized. The book is keenly crafted to do so. But it also hints at a root truth in the end as the boys watched their rescuers prepare for war even as they are lectured against violence. That even the adults know that ultimately, right is defined by who has the most might. And good and bad are ultimately defined by that standard.

It shows up everywhere. Democracy, where the majority wins, is "Might makes right". A winning sports team is "might makes right". Naturally, war also fits this example. Even Superman is an example of "Might makes right". Good is not inherent, it's defined by the winner.

Answer 2

I without a shadow of a doubt say that people are naturally evil.
I can't look at all the horrid things that happen in the world - Corrupt leaders in third world countries, keeping their people from living lives with any brand of quality because they're spending the country's money on expensive cars and houses; unions that supposedly promote peace and welfare, sitting by while people die; those apathetic to the greater needs of others - and say some trite phrase like, "Oh, well there's good in everyone!" or, "Well, that's just their bad side."

While I do believe that everyone possesses their own brand of beauty, none have an inner goodness.
I am one of those people. I don't by any means transcend the limitations of humanity - to put it dramatically - so I'm not saying that you're all evil and you're going to "the bad place."

I simply say that, from the moment we emerge from the womb and breathe for the first time, we are evil.
Our parents can teach us to be good - or, better - but it's in our nature to choose the "bad side."

Take this for example: Say... Keith Jones, some random guy that I know, came up and slapped me in the face.

The first impassioned thought, rushing to my head like forest fire, isn't, "Oh, well, this is just his bad side," or
"Oh, he's just having a bad day," It's: "$^*&#@*!"

Or something similarly intelligent and legible. heh.

My first impulse can be used to judge what my true nature is. Now, a split second later, I can say, "Okay, I'll have to be the adult in this situation and not fight back," or something of the sort, but it doesn't change that my initial thought, my "root reaction," if you will, is that of anger and retaliation.

Others on the other side of this subject may not be convinced, but this is simply my view on it.
Much luck finding your answer - this is a fun subject to wrap the mind around. =)

Answer 3

Humans are neither inherently good nor inherently bad, simply inherently human. "Existence precedes essence."

What is good and what is bad?
Who can define such a thing?
What if my view of good is your view of evil?
Who is right?
Are we not both correct?

Answer 4

A human is inherently good. A young child, as of yet unjaded by the world, knows no hate or prejudice.

Answer 5

Inherent good and bad are fictions. Good and bad are perspectival judgments. The Eskimos were excited at the concept of a hell. (lake of fire)

Answer 6

Science teaches us that...(and my own experience with people teaches me the same thing...)

A "healthy" brain will usually come to the conclusion that "goodness" is it's own reward...
My theory is that...

All "evil" comes from "inside" people...

Whether they have a "healthy" brain or not, their "evil" actions are what make them "bad..."
I think really cool, loving, fun thoughts...(you're just gonna have to take my word on that, and trust your "reader" instincts) so I am confident that "I," as "I" appear, am a Non-Evil person...
That is...
I "really" act like a "good" person...
So I really "am" a good person...
And "most important of all..."

"I am a cool dude...!!! (This is the same song declaration that Helen Reddy made when she sang...

"I am woman, hear me roar...!!!"

Answer 7

The terms are meaningless.