A Foundation of Quality

We started with a rough outline on what is meant by good. It has a broad interpretation. So to stay on track, a foundation has to be laid that is based on facts. We want to have enough details to point us in the right direction without giving in to dogma. It is intended that this study can be used in any culture. A right angle is a right angle anywhere you go. A carpenter will need enough information to keep his building square while someone studying trigonometry will need much more detail. They both start out with a right angle that is universally known. True principles are also this way. But each has to be introduced in a simple and orderly way. We look for truth through three avenues; things that are self-evident, things that we learn through our senses, and by thought habits from our culture. These aren't the only ways, but are the most dominant. Regardless of the avenue, we want to start on a foundation of what is common knowledge. This makes it easier to start a good conversation with anyone.

Let’s start with an idea, what we are sure of and what is commonly known, then compare them with each other. If all three are in are in harmony, we can move on and use the idea as a fact. But if there is a conflict, then the principle might not be true. Rather than quick effortless generalizations, we want to start with quality.

Good can be classified as belonging to three realms; material goods, bodily goods and that which is good for our soul. The soul is the most important part to examine because we use our bodies and materials to please our soul. This seems to be universally taught by most philosophers. Material things and physical vices cannot bring us inner satisfaction and therefore aren't considered the basis for happiness. When we say a person is good, it is universally understood to mean that they take good actions and do what is right. But this goodness of the soul also has different realms.  Some think an attitude of excellence is the most important; others think that having the ability to practically apply knowledge is what is best. Being creative is the most important trait  for happiness in some people’s opinion.  We also have pleasure or forgoing pleasure, and don’t forget prosperity. None of these are completely wrong. All have valid points in different respects.

But to those who equate happiness with virtue there is little room for debate. But we have to be careful to point out that claimed virtue and practiced virtue are two completely different things. You can’t win an athletic competition by just looking good and feeling strong. A person has to work at it and compete. It is the same way with virtue. It isn’t a state of mind but the sum of what a person practices