Major themes in literature often relate back to the idea of “good vs. evil.” For example, in novels you can often find a brave hero facing off against a wicked villain to teach the reader that being good and doing the right thing is what is best for society. These stories usually show the hero as being all good and the villain as being all bad, and the choice to do the right thing is always very clear. However, how does this apply to the real world? The article, “A teen and a trolley reveal society’s dark side,” explores this debate. Examine the article and determine whether you believe that people can be completely good or whether you think there is a dark side to us all. Explain your reasoning.

1 answer

In the article, the author presents a scenario where a teenager is faced with a moral dilemma: whether to sacrifice the life of one person by pulling a lever and saving the lives of five others, or to do nothing and allow five people to die. This scenario forces the teenager to confront his own morality and question whether he is truly good or if he is capable of making difficult decisions that may involve sacrificing someone else for the greater good.

This situation highlights the complexity of human nature and the moral ambiguity that exists in real life. While in literature, the distinction between good and evil may be clear-cut, in reality, individuals are often faced with difficult choices where the line between right and wrong is not always black and white. People are capable of both good and evil actions, and our moral compasses can be influenced by a variety of factors such as personal beliefs, societal norms, and situational circumstances.

I believe that people are not inherently good or evil, but rather possess the capacity for both. It is the choices we make and the actions we take that ultimately define who we are as individuals. While there may be a dark side to us all, it is important to strive to make ethical decisions and to act in ways that benefit society as a whole. The key is self-awareness, empathy, and a willingness to critically examine our own beliefs and values in order to make choices that align with our principles and lead to a more just and compassionate world.