Agathology

/ˌæɡəˈθɒlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The philosophical study of goodness, kindness, and virtue, or the concept that goodness is the ultimate principle of reality.

Etymology

From Greek 'agathos' (good) + '-logy' (study of). Coined in philosophical discourse to parallel other '-ologies' examining fundamental principles and concepts.

Kelly Says

Agathology is literally 'the study of good'—the flip side of theodicy (explaining evil). Few philosophers pursued it formally because studying evil's origins seemed more urgent, but agathology asks the equally important question: where does good come from?

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