The Meaning of Good—a Dialogue

A philosophical dialogue published in the late 19th century. The work explores the nature of 'Good' through a series of discussions among characters who represent diverse opinions on moral philosophy. Central to the dialogue's exploration is the quest to define what constitutes Good, grappling with the skepticism and varying perceptions surrounding it. The opening of the book introduces the setting—a gathering of friends in a Swiss valley—and the characters engaged in a conversation about the nature of Good. The narrator reflects on the influence of a melancholic friend, Philip Audubon, whose life experiences have led him to question whether a universal Good truly exists, challenging the beliefs of the narrator and his other friends. The dialogue takes shape as they delve into competing ideas about morality, examining perspectives that see Good as a product of personal choice versus those that argue for a communal or collective Good. Through witty exchanges and philosophical musings, the characters articulate their doubts, beliefs, and arguments about the essence of Good, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in subsequent chapters.