" the greater good "

[traillius]

Could someone please explain or define, and give examples of, " the greater good " Its something I struggle with when I hear all the evil in the world.

 

[dianaballein]

Small example as I know it, but sometimes I have to sacrifice doing something I want to do for the “greater good” of my family. Perhaps I only have a small amount of money…do I buy cute shoes with it or food for my family?

Do I go home and take that nap I want to take, or do I suck it up and go serve food at the Homeless Shelter instead?

Do I talk on the phone for two hours to a girlfriend, or do I use that time to prepare a nice dinner for my family and clean house?

This is what it means to me.

 

[surfinpure]

To the best of my knowledge, the “greater good” argument is often the same as “the end justifies the means.” Utopianists use this argument to excuse things like Communism and Socialism. If you oppress a society for the supposed benefit of a society, then you are doing it for the “greater good,” no?

 

[bugz2007]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like the OP may be talking about “the greater good” as it pertains to God’s ultimate plan in allowing evil things to happen. That’s a little different than utilitarian mindsets.

However, if that be the case…I don’t really have an answer at this time.

 

[surfinpure]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like the OP may be talking about “the greater good” as it pertains to God’s ultimate plan in allowing evil things to happen. That’s a little different than utilitarian mindsets.

However, if that be the case…I don’t really have an answer at this time.

Yes, I see what you mean.

 

[Caesar517]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like the OP may be talking about “the greater good” as it pertains to God’s ultimate plan in allowing evil things to happen. That’s a little different than utilitarian mindsets.

If that’s the case: God allows a man to suffer greatly, but as a result this man develops a much deeper relationship with God.

Is that what you’re looking for, traillius?

 

[KingAlfred]

Could someone please explain or define, and give examples of, " the greater good " Its something I struggle with when I hear all the evil in the world.

Take a look at the concept of the Common Good in Catholic Social Teaching.

 

[surfinpure]

traillius,

It just occurred to me that you might find it very helpful to read The Gread Divorce, by C.S. Lewis. He illustrates poignantly how “large” God’s goodness and how “small” evil is. It gave me great hope.