Are you a good person? How do you know?

'Tis the season when a certain someone wants to know if you've been bad or good. So let's ask the question, how do you know if you're good? Is there an objective measure of goodness? What does it mean to be good - how you treat others? how you treat animals? how you behave when no one is looking? Can goodness occur in a vacuum? Or is being good a matter of opinion?

We'll first have to define "good" and that will be an intrinsic part of the discussion. But we will primarily talk about the somewhat abstract notion of being good. I truly believe I'm good, but I can't guarantee that everyone you ask that knows me will agree.

Of course, this also begs the question of what it means to be bad. I'm sure there are people in this world who think Mother Theresa was the epitome of goodness. But the dearly-departed Christopher Hitchens was much maligned for his robust attacks on her, one of which can be read here (http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2003/10/mommie_dearest.html).

I know the time is tough for a Meetup, but if you're around and can get away for a few hours for some enthusiastic conversation, then make your way to our familiar haunt by LAX - IHOP!

Hope to see you there!

Todd