Deep Thinkers

Are you a good person? How do you know?

Dec 15, 2013 · 5:00 PM
IHOP

'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.

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

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Christina

Worthwhile the driving, as usual. Good job Todd!

0 · December 16, 2013
Larry S.

Very interesting, but challenging

1 · December 16, 2013
Todd K.

Thanks to all the Deep Thinkers who attended last night's event. It was a really interesting discussion with many new members. I hope everyone has a pleasant and restful holiday, and we'll jump right in come January!

Todd

3 · December 16, 2013
Vanessa

It was definitely a good topic to explore in detail. Although we disagreed on varying levels about the definition of what is "good", it was a lively discussion.

1 · December 16, 2013
Ron L

The group was unable to meet one of the core purposes of the meetup, "We'll first have to define "good"...". Thus, it is questionable as to the rest of the guide for the meetup set forth by the moderator.

0 · December 16, 2013
Susan

Absolutely one of the best discussions! Reminds me how our formative years are so important in creating who we are today. Perception based on out-dated beliefs . . . Just a very deep discussion . . . am I a bad person, or do I just do bad things? Or is it good intentions leading me down the path to hell?

1 · December 16, 2013
Todd K.

Seems easy to answer, but definitely more complicated than you might think.

2 · December 16, 2013
Christopher

Great topic, good minds, nobody refused to listen, people behaved, everyone got a say. Very nice.

2 · December 15, 2013
eLi

But I won't be there until 6 ish :)

0 · December 14, 2013
Richard O.

I not only push the envelope I break open the seams.

0 · December 2, 2013
Alan

Happiness, goodness and truth! Or truth, goodness and beauty? It just so happened that the very day I received the email notifying me of this "Are You Good?" meetup, I also synchronicitally and serendipitously received an email from one of my very best friends, Dr. Fred Strohm, referring me to what turned out to be a fascinating and probing talk by his Ph.D. thesis adviser on "The Disappearance Of Moral Knowledge." I watched both parts of the talk, and then thought it would be great to share the link to the talk with you all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHLj25IfY7E

Thanks, fellow swimmers in a sea of confusion. Aloha, Alan

0 · December 1, 2013
Frank W.

I also have the same conflict with the Santa Monica Philosophy Group.

0 · November 30, 2013
John G.

I have the same problem as Gil. The Santa Monica Philosophy Group meets at the same date/time. I would love to make it to this meeting but not at the date specified. Saturday would have been preferable.

0 · November 29, 2013
- Todd K.
  
  Sorry, guys. There'll always be competition, and I know there are a lot of Xmas parties taking place on Saturday (one of which I am attending).
  
  0 · November 29, 2013
gil l.

Sunday eve rather than Sat?
Hi Todd,
You are making things difficult by moving to sun eve, for me, but maybe not just for me. Puts it in competition with the SM Phil Grp. This will be a difficult choice. Any chance of moving back to sat eve? gil

1 · November 29, 2013
Larry S.

Appreciate the lead time, thanks

0 · November 29, 2013
Todd K.

Just saw this posted on FB and thought the comments were a fantastic example of this exact topic - take a few minutes to read them!
http://thisisham.com/nervous-man-nearly-in-tears-blows-the-x-factor-crowd-away/

0 · November 29, 2013