Poll: As a generic rule of decision making, would you..

[Logiclul]

Wherein the current situation is in place:

It is such that the most logical thing to do in the context of what is the smartest thing for you to do such that you have the most 'gain' (we'll call that X) is different from the most good thing (that which causes the most happiness for you, which we'll call Y). Also assume that there is no medium between X and Y, and you must choose a path. If you question the importance of the decision, then I say that you are an immoral being; but that is a philosophical argument for another day. Assume that it is important enough for you to feel the need to consider it and that both the gain and the good are rather high in value. Finally assume that in Y, you have a X/2 value of a gain, and in X you have a Y/2 value in good.

Assume that good =/= gain.

Which option do you take? You may factor in the collateral good which your gain may eventually cause, and you should stay realistic in what gains you will receive.

 

[SilentCom]

I would go for good over gain. Even if I don't gain, others may. Also, I figure people are as moral as they make themselves to be.

 

[octafish]

I am a good guy. I will murder you in your sleep to protect my children though.

 

[zehydra]

This hypothetical situation is very difficult, particularly because it's very difficult to seperate "good" from "gain", since the very concept of "gain" is tied to the concept of "good". You cannot have one of those concepts without the other.

 

[Pandaman1911]

"Assume that good =/= gain."

Say what? I don't even. How does that begin to work?

 

[sharinganblossom25]

Good over gain, of course. I would much rather see others benefit before I benefit.

 

[F4LL3N]

Good over gain. But I'll assume I'm in the minority, especially at The Escapist where morality is a personal factor rather than a matter of fact. Or maybe it's just a bad vocal few who make me believe this. I'll go with the latter since it seems more logical.

 

[Logiclul]

Gain is the personal growth in an area of life that is not in the direct set of happiness.

For example: These things are in the 'direct set' of good, or happiness:

Having a fun time at the beach
Falling in love
Watching your favorite TV show

These things are not in the 'direct set' of good, rather may be thought of as gain, regardless of if they cause happiness in some way or not:

Getting a masters' degree in Physics
Becoming a business partner with another aspiring colleague.
Stealing a car (the act of theft directly causes gain, it is later that happiness is effected)

This is to say, that that which primary gain/purpose is that of happiness, is good, and that which is not, is gain.

 

[CrystalShadow]

Ok, aside from the confusingly abstract explanations, while it's possible to challenge the validity of your definitions in relation to how any given person views reality,

within the logical constraints you've defined, I would choose good over gain. (Both in an abstract sense, but also looking at the reality of my own life.)

But then, I rather question the reality of this scenario. Specifically the good =/= gain thing is very questionable. They are clearly not the same thing, but they are not mutually exclusive.

Also your definition of 'good' in particular is a rather odd concept.

(The most typical definitions in western society at least are defined in terms of selfless vs selfish acts. Happiness doesn't directly factor into it. And in fact may potentially be the opposite of 'good'.)

Still, as a purely abstract scenario it's fine. Just don't expect to define a scenario in such an abstract way while involving those kind of terms and expect purely logical answers without involving people's pre-conceived ideas of what 'good' and 'gain' are.

 

[link35142]

I am a "Gain" person. And no, that does not make me the evil villian, twirling his moustache.

The reason I say gain is because morality (good and evil) are points of view. If I was raised to believe random, ritualistic murder was a good act, then I cannot be described as evil, as it is my understanding that it is a good thing. Oh yes, the masses will believe me to be evil, but I myself cannot be evil.

Gain, on the otherhand, is constant. Gain/Loss is so much better when comparing two alternatives. Do I take the bus, or walk, save up, and buy a car? What do I have to gain if I kill this wo/man? Is that gem worth stealing?

Risk vs reward, gain vs loss, whatever you want to call it, is a far more concrete way of making a decision than good vs evil. Good and evil are points of view. Personal gain, or gain in general, is concrete, and will never change.

 

[Jedoro]

Good over gain

Because "good" and "legal" are not synonymous.

 

[GoldenFish]

Depends whether others know what decision I have made and what options they knew I had. But generally I would go with good. Then again I would always go with gain if I wasn't causing any harm to anyone or anything else. If I had to harm for the gain then It would be Y. However if it was just a choice between me causing happiness for someone else and me gaining what I want I will take what I want (unless it is out of proportion but you said it wouldn't be).

(I said good but to be honest it would be gain).

 

[Indignator]

Gain, because:

a) I can factor in collateral good resulting from the gain
b) In X I still have Y/2 good

Therefore in the long run if I choose X my total tally is:

Gain = X
Good = Y/2 + collateral good

If I chose Y then my tally would be:

Gain = X/2
Good = Y

This dilemma would be harder to choose if choice X would result in diminished good, and vice-versa.

 

[Nieroshai]

"Assume that good =/= gain."

Say what? I don't even. How does that begin to work?

Think "Right vs. Benefitial To You" then, that's the best way to sum it up.

 

[justnotcricket]

I have to go for good over gain, usually. I have a killer conscience, so really, I gain by doing good in the sense that I avoid the guilt of going for gain over good.

...0_o... I'm not sure that made sense even to me, and I wrote it...

 

[Pandaman1911]

"Assume that good =/= gain."

Say what? I don't even. How does that begin to work?

Think "Right vs. Benefitial To You" then, that's the best way to sum it up.

OH! Gain, then! Totally gain. I'm in life for me, thanks. Only got 80 years on this mudball, not going to screw myself over to help other people.

 

[idodo35]

im not sure i understood but if i did ill go for good over gain for the sakes of those close and important to me

 

[Ohhi]

I choose Gain because truthfuly I have no reason to do anything that does not benefit me.

 

[Vicarious Reality]

I don't get it
Is this a veiled query about my greed?
Greed makes the world go round.