Every definition I can find is, in essence, circular (using a similar word to define a given word). Here good is desirable. Good for whom? Desirable to whom?

 

Axiology, the study of values, is extensive. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy article on Value Study runs for many pages. It covers an extensive taxonomy of types of value, but leaves the question, “Of value to whom?” unanswered, presumably because it is a question that has not been answered by philosophers. Can it be answered? I think an answer can be approached that applies to everything. I just don’t think everyone will agree with me. Essentially in calling for Value Seeking Value, I have dedicated my entire set of musings to understanding value.

 

Some points to consider:

• Humanity seeks progress, but progress now threatens us with at least four existential risks: nuclear war, climate change, biological threats, and artificial intelligence.

• Most discussions of value and good are anthropocentric, that is considered from the perspective of humans.

• Except for the psychotic, most, if not all, humans make decisions thinking they are supporting the good. Soldiers of the Confederate States of America, attackers of the US Capital, Mao Tse Tung leading China into a famine that killed tens of millions. Not all are rationally conceived or articulated. The bank robber may not consciously reason that his good is greater than the bank’s loss, but that is what motivates him.

• Medical progress brings longer lives and overpopulation to an Earth that is increasingly incapable of sustaining it.

• Eventually the sun will explode taking the Earth with it. What good is that?

• In seeking advancement in their careers many modern humans forego family closeness, life examination, or simply a moment to themselves.

 

I could go on. As with all my musings, these are open to discussion. That’s good (pun intended). Questions and debate are always better than cast-in-concrete answers. My question, the one that leads to these musings, is: where do you find a yardstick to measure universal good? My firm belief is that the challenge of questioning your values, being open to error, exploring possibilities, thinking outside humanity’s box, thinking outside the known universe’s box can lead to discoveries that, as a simple matter of fact, lead to living a better life, to helping yourself, your family, and others to peace and harmony. But you cannot truly help anyone or anything unless you have ventured into the wilderness, confronted and gone beyond the devil, and returned with an understanding greater than anyone can teach you. Then you will know and can pass on the true Good.