After reading the essay, I decided that I do believe that a common good exists, or at least has the potential to exist. There are certain things in society that benefit everyone: an improved education system, good healthcare, and good public safety, for example. These things add to a community and help improve the quality of life.
Still, I am not totally sure what exactly a "common good" is. To me, it seems to be something that benefits all people involved, but this is sort of abstract. I am not quite sure if it is possible to benefit all people because each person has a different idea of what "good" is. It could mean the more selfless point of view, thinking of everything as "ours" rather than "mine."
One thing from the essay that especially stood out to me was the part that suggested the common good hinders one's right to individualism. I don't agree with this idea; in fact, I think that the common good promotes individual rights because it helps all people live a better lifestyle where they have access to do the things they want. For example, working towards a cleaner environment advances everyone's healthy lifestyle, enabling them to be able to move forward with the things they want to do in life.
I agree that everyone benefits from certain things, such as an improved education system and good healthcare, but that is very general. What's seen as good to one person may not be to another. People have very different opinions about quality and what is important, which makes it hard for every single person to benefit.
ReplyDeleteI like how you said a common good has the potential to exist, and I agree with you. A common good does have the potential to exist, it comes down to how the people of a country decide to make it happen. It is indeed abstract to think of something that can benefit all people, but I think it is something that could be accomplished, if people decided it was necessary. Your view on individualism within a common good is well-supported and interesting, however, I would also agree with someone who said the common good hinders one's right to individualism. Everyone would have to agree to have a common good; they would have to agree on what is "good". This could affect someone who believes one thing is "good" while another person disagrees. Both viewpoints would be an interesting debate.
ReplyDeleteAbby, as you said those are things that benefit everyone but everyone does not pull there weight. There are those who want to improve our health care, educational system, and public safety system but they do nothing to help reach the goal. They just expect it to be all given by the government. I do not believe the common good exists, it would be very nice if it did though!
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