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“WHY GOOD PEOPLE DO BAD THINGS”
Dr. Noel Q. Formoso
Associate Professor IV
This intriguing question tackles the facets of morality in the light of human imperfection
and the social situations that transform ordinary people into evildoers. What drives us to do
things that leave others and even ourselves perplexed and asking the question, “Why did I do
that?How did that happen?” are equally gripping questions that run through the pages of our
minds trying to make sense of seemingly senseless deeds. But is there an answer?
Most often than not, we are stunned when people we know, people we love and revered
have done outrageous and terrible things beyond what is expected of them.They do bad things
and it can be confusing why. Many believe that these acts seem incomprehensible and are hard
to believe that the acts were in fact committed. And always, this situation downplays the ethical
values of man which is often dictated by his environment and his personal experiences.
Is it really possible for a good person to turn evil?
But first, we must concede that man by nature is good. But the line between good and
evil is permeable; each one can move across it just as man has the capacity for love and evil.
What brings out the reality of it depends on a given situation.
In brief, we will explore the complexities by which human experiences define the very
thin line between ego and the facade of the false self that lead to self-destructive behaviours.
This brief presentation will help come up with a simple explanation, conclusion and build simple
steps on how to understand why good people do bad things.
HUMAN IMPERFECTION
One thing that only few can refute or dispute; all men are naturally imperfect thus,
commits mistakes and regrettable misdeeds. But can this justify and explain the enormous act
of bad deeds that are unfolding anywhere in the world?
Man’s goodness acknowledges the fact that there exists a boundary that should not be
crossed whereby allowing him not to commit the evil acts.
This however, is a near excuse that it is indeed possible for a “good” person to slip into a state
of irrationality where in the absence of reason, he is mentally irresponsible whereby commit
things that he would never do under normal circumstances. “If one has become irrational,
therefore, and is not morally culpable, while the act itself is technically “bad”, it is not so for the
perpetrator, for he does not comprehend the nature of his act.”
Different circumstances and situations may alter a person’s sense of mental order.
Factors like diseases, environmental and genetic could rally behind his inexplicable conduct.
Unfortunately, this rationale is probably used to justify the person in more cases than is
warranted.
GOODNESS BENEATH INTENTIONS
Good people, who do bad things, actually are not good people at all. Running into public
office in the guise of serving the people while hiding the rude intention of using power and
authority to enrich them is a classic example.Politicians who plotted this traditional path feigned
goodness out of different motives, but inwardly have been corrupt for a long period of time.
A wicked person is devoid of conscience, he often masks himself with deception using
goodness as his effective armour.
THE CHOICE
How people commit the act or do bad things simply because they can! Given all the
avenues, chances, opportunities and possibilities, men would tend to harness them and use
them as an effective tool towards getting the most satisfactory results. Choice is a limitless
option resorted to by people. Biblically, Peter, a very good man, denied he knew Jesus. But
why? A random speculations and interpretations may surmise but the simple fact remains, he
did, it happened and he chose to deny Him (Jesus).
Why people do things that are perceived to be normal for them suggest a long list of
suggested possibilities. Enemies who maintain subdued grudges, under certain circumstances,
may flare into a roaring flame.
A neglected wife deprived of sexual, economic and social needs often disgruntled and
frustrated. As a result, commit an immoral act. Desperate persons are also vulnerable to acts
which perceived to be ungodly. No one can ever discover these things happen. One thing
remains true, man’s ability to choose is a gift that when used and employed righteously or
devilishly, can cultivate a passionate desire towards a better end.
HUMAN WEAKNESSES
As sexual beings, we long for sex to satisfy our urges. Food creates an atmosphere where
one ignores medical or biological consideration by eating their fill. These are just two of the
human weaknesses that we know on a daily encounter. Each one has its own similar or unique
weaknesses from the others. We succumbed to tremendous internal pressures in terms of
providing personal whims and satisfactions. Some people are even more fragile than others.
Separation caused by severed marriage is a tragedy and often leads to one mistaketo the other
and dissembles them.
THE EVIL COMPANY
Menander, a Greek playwright says, “Evil companionship corrupt good morals.”
Close association with the ungodly, or people of disgruntled morality can cause one’s life
to distortion. In an intimate environment of wickedness it becomes infinitely easier to do
unbelievably terrible things. In the company of fools, no one is considered sane.
PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHTS
A. THE SOCIAL BOND THEORY
Transliterated as “Strength in Numbers”. Large organizations like the PNP, policemen
feel more like numbers or cogs in a machine than individuals. The moment they feel
detached from the goals and leadership of their workplace, they are more likely to
commit fraud or hurt the institution via neglect.
B. SELF-SERVING BIAS
Few people believe they are average; most think they are smarter and more ethical
than those around them. This could lead to feelings of injustice. That if someone from
the ranks gets a promotion, it’s not down to their performance and capacity, but
something else. Over and underestimation of other’s biases can lead to unethical
behavior.
C. CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION
Kathleen Vohs, a Scientific Researcher revealed in her study that “the mere presence
of money makes people more selfish, as they focus on success and individual needs
over others.
D. ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCE
People reflect their environment. External influences characterized the attitude and
behavior of every person and influence the manner of decision-making. Such that
when corruption in the government is rampant, ordinary employees become blind to
its occurrence and its possible costs and effects. They too have the tendency to be
corrupt.
E. COGNITIVE DISSONANCE AND RATIONALIZATION
When people’s actions differ from their morals, they begin to rationalize both to
protect themselves from painful contradiction and to build up protection against
accusations. For them “The bigger the dissonance, the larger the rationalization and
the longer it lasts, the less immoral it seems.
F. THE PRESSURE TO CONFORM
In order to fit in with a group, people do things they might not otherwise. That can
lead them to ignore abuses for the sake of peace or unity and go along with
questionable decisions.
Ronald E. Riggio, PhD asserts that people believe we are more moral than we actually are
but the process of moral disengagement leads us to act immorally and justify our bad behavior.
Justification of bad behavior occurs in the following ways:
a. Focusing on desired outcomes and rationalize the means to achieve them. If an
outcome is important, we begin to believe that “the ends justify the means”;
b. Use of Euphemistic Language liked the killing of the SAF Members is considered as a
collateral damage;
c. Advantageous Comparisons by downplaying their bad behavior by comparing it to the
even worse behavior by others;
STEPS TO UNDERSTAND WHY GOOD PEOPLE DO BAD THINGS
1. Know their current mood and situation
Before prejudices it helps that you know what they are experiencing.
2. Know their personality
Are they usually like that? Do they show concern for what they have done? Does he
have a personality disorder?
3. Think about possible motives
Maybe he was forced to committing the act? Did he do it as revenge? Was there a
motive?
4. Know their background
How did he act during his younger days? Was he neglected? Was he molested?
5. Formulate a hypothesis
Connect the dots after gathering all the information and details…And when
everything is said and done, check your results.
6. Compare your results
After knowing what finally caused his actions, compare the results with anyone else
who may have been interested with the case.

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Why good-people-do-bad-things

  • 1. “WHY GOOD PEOPLE DO BAD THINGS” Dr. Noel Q. Formoso Associate Professor IV This intriguing question tackles the facets of morality in the light of human imperfection and the social situations that transform ordinary people into evildoers. What drives us to do things that leave others and even ourselves perplexed and asking the question, “Why did I do that?How did that happen?” are equally gripping questions that run through the pages of our minds trying to make sense of seemingly senseless deeds. But is there an answer? Most often than not, we are stunned when people we know, people we love and revered have done outrageous and terrible things beyond what is expected of them.They do bad things and it can be confusing why. Many believe that these acts seem incomprehensible and are hard to believe that the acts were in fact committed. And always, this situation downplays the ethical values of man which is often dictated by his environment and his personal experiences. Is it really possible for a good person to turn evil? But first, we must concede that man by nature is good. But the line between good and evil is permeable; each one can move across it just as man has the capacity for love and evil. What brings out the reality of it depends on a given situation. In brief, we will explore the complexities by which human experiences define the very thin line between ego and the facade of the false self that lead to self-destructive behaviours. This brief presentation will help come up with a simple explanation, conclusion and build simple steps on how to understand why good people do bad things. HUMAN IMPERFECTION One thing that only few can refute or dispute; all men are naturally imperfect thus, commits mistakes and regrettable misdeeds. But can this justify and explain the enormous act of bad deeds that are unfolding anywhere in the world? Man’s goodness acknowledges the fact that there exists a boundary that should not be crossed whereby allowing him not to commit the evil acts. This however, is a near excuse that it is indeed possible for a “good” person to slip into a state of irrationality where in the absence of reason, he is mentally irresponsible whereby commit things that he would never do under normal circumstances. “If one has become irrational, therefore, and is not morally culpable, while the act itself is technically “bad”, it is not so for the perpetrator, for he does not comprehend the nature of his act.” Different circumstances and situations may alter a person’s sense of mental order. Factors like diseases, environmental and genetic could rally behind his inexplicable conduct. Unfortunately, this rationale is probably used to justify the person in more cases than is warranted. GOODNESS BENEATH INTENTIONS Good people, who do bad things, actually are not good people at all. Running into public office in the guise of serving the people while hiding the rude intention of using power and authority to enrich them is a classic example.Politicians who plotted this traditional path feigned goodness out of different motives, but inwardly have been corrupt for a long period of time. A wicked person is devoid of conscience, he often masks himself with deception using goodness as his effective armour.
  • 2. THE CHOICE How people commit the act or do bad things simply because they can! Given all the avenues, chances, opportunities and possibilities, men would tend to harness them and use them as an effective tool towards getting the most satisfactory results. Choice is a limitless option resorted to by people. Biblically, Peter, a very good man, denied he knew Jesus. But why? A random speculations and interpretations may surmise but the simple fact remains, he did, it happened and he chose to deny Him (Jesus). Why people do things that are perceived to be normal for them suggest a long list of suggested possibilities. Enemies who maintain subdued grudges, under certain circumstances, may flare into a roaring flame. A neglected wife deprived of sexual, economic and social needs often disgruntled and frustrated. As a result, commit an immoral act. Desperate persons are also vulnerable to acts which perceived to be ungodly. No one can ever discover these things happen. One thing remains true, man’s ability to choose is a gift that when used and employed righteously or devilishly, can cultivate a passionate desire towards a better end. HUMAN WEAKNESSES As sexual beings, we long for sex to satisfy our urges. Food creates an atmosphere where one ignores medical or biological consideration by eating their fill. These are just two of the human weaknesses that we know on a daily encounter. Each one has its own similar or unique weaknesses from the others. We succumbed to tremendous internal pressures in terms of providing personal whims and satisfactions. Some people are even more fragile than others. Separation caused by severed marriage is a tragedy and often leads to one mistaketo the other and dissembles them. THE EVIL COMPANY Menander, a Greek playwright says, “Evil companionship corrupt good morals.” Close association with the ungodly, or people of disgruntled morality can cause one’s life to distortion. In an intimate environment of wickedness it becomes infinitely easier to do unbelievably terrible things. In the company of fools, no one is considered sane. PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHTS A. THE SOCIAL BOND THEORY Transliterated as “Strength in Numbers”. Large organizations like the PNP, policemen feel more like numbers or cogs in a machine than individuals. The moment they feel detached from the goals and leadership of their workplace, they are more likely to commit fraud or hurt the institution via neglect. B. SELF-SERVING BIAS Few people believe they are average; most think they are smarter and more ethical than those around them. This could lead to feelings of injustice. That if someone from the ranks gets a promotion, it’s not down to their performance and capacity, but something else. Over and underestimation of other’s biases can lead to unethical behavior. C. CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION Kathleen Vohs, a Scientific Researcher revealed in her study that “the mere presence of money makes people more selfish, as they focus on success and individual needs over others.
  • 3. D. ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCE People reflect their environment. External influences characterized the attitude and behavior of every person and influence the manner of decision-making. Such that when corruption in the government is rampant, ordinary employees become blind to its occurrence and its possible costs and effects. They too have the tendency to be corrupt. E. COGNITIVE DISSONANCE AND RATIONALIZATION When people’s actions differ from their morals, they begin to rationalize both to protect themselves from painful contradiction and to build up protection against accusations. For them “The bigger the dissonance, the larger the rationalization and the longer it lasts, the less immoral it seems. F. THE PRESSURE TO CONFORM In order to fit in with a group, people do things they might not otherwise. That can lead them to ignore abuses for the sake of peace or unity and go along with questionable decisions. Ronald E. Riggio, PhD asserts that people believe we are more moral than we actually are but the process of moral disengagement leads us to act immorally and justify our bad behavior. Justification of bad behavior occurs in the following ways: a. Focusing on desired outcomes and rationalize the means to achieve them. If an outcome is important, we begin to believe that “the ends justify the means”; b. Use of Euphemistic Language liked the killing of the SAF Members is considered as a collateral damage; c. Advantageous Comparisons by downplaying their bad behavior by comparing it to the even worse behavior by others; STEPS TO UNDERSTAND WHY GOOD PEOPLE DO BAD THINGS 1. Know their current mood and situation Before prejudices it helps that you know what they are experiencing. 2. Know their personality Are they usually like that? Do they show concern for what they have done? Does he have a personality disorder? 3. Think about possible motives Maybe he was forced to committing the act? Did he do it as revenge? Was there a motive? 4. Know their background How did he act during his younger days? Was he neglected? Was he molested? 5. Formulate a hypothesis Connect the dots after gathering all the information and details…And when everything is said and done, check your results. 6. Compare your results After knowing what finally caused his actions, compare the results with anyone else who may have been interested with the case.