The words "good" and "bad" are a basic way of talking aboutvalue orethics.[1] They are often used in different ways to talk about things,people,ideas, or actions as being either good or bad. Many questions about theconcepts of "good" and "bad" are studied byphilosophers.[1] There are many different beliefs about what is good or bad, or about what the two words really mean. These differences can often be seen in differentcultures andreligions.
Inphilosophy, goodness is generally understood in two main kinds: either a thing is goodfor something or it is goodin itself.[1][2] For example, eating properly may be goodfor staying healthy (provable) but eating properly may not be a goodin itself (unprovable). This also applies to things that are called bad. The belief that there are such things as goodin itself and badin itself has been a main part ofWestern philosophy sincePlato.[2][3] However, some philosophers have rejected this belief.[2]
A relative good is something that is good because people say it is good. An absolute good is something that is good because of something in itself. It is good even if there is no one around to see it. For example, aneconomist may say that theMona Lisa is a very valuable economic good because it can be sold for a lot ofmoney. Aphilosopher may say that the painting is good because of how it is painted. The economist sees relative good, because people may later not want to pay for it. The philosopher sees absolute good, because it will always be painted well.[source?]
Good and evil areopposites.
Andpeople haveopinions on what things are good and what things are evil. For example, astreet artist might think it is good to draw a graffiti on a public building wall, but the owner of this building might consider it evil.
Therefore,the concept of good and bad in general is flexible.