Frequently Asked Questions

What is TheDo-Gooder.com?
TheDo-Gooder.com is essays about ethics by me, the Do-Gooder. I regularly analyze ethical problems raised by current events, popular culture, and my life or the lives of acquaintances I choose to exploit. The goal of TheDo-Gooder.com is to use logic and reason to help distinguish right from wrong with the hope that we will more often do what's right.

How often is TheDo-Gooder.com updated?
Daily. When "daily" excludes the many days on which the site is not updated.

Why don't you cite arguments based on philosophical works?
TheDo-Gooder.com avoids complex philosophical arguments based on historic thinkers, because this site aims to offer common-sense tools to help anyone reason through their ethical dilemmas. Also, I don't know or understand any complex philosophical arguments, nor can I spell the names of most historic thinkers.

Why don't you offer documentary evidence for your arguments?
Ethical dilemmas deal with the most fundamental aspects of what it means to be human and a member of our society. As such, it's important that we be able to reason our way through them without trips to the library or to Google. Also, research is hard.

Are you qualified to do this?
No. There's nothing at all in my background that would qualify me to declaim ethical arguments in a public space without being arrested, except for the fact that I'm a human being who often wonders if he is doing the right thing.

Aren't you just stealing an idea from Randy Cohen, The Ethicist of The New York Times Magazine and NPR?
Yes. But there are distinct differences between Randy Cohen and myself, such as:

• Randy Cohen offers a question-and-answer service. I don't.
• Randy Cohen is a better writer than I am.
• Randy Cohen is funnier than I am.
• Randy Cohen seems to know what he's talking about.

Do you give advice on personal ethical dilemmas?
No. I prefer to leave that to Mr. Cohen. Also, I can't imagine why any sensible person would seek my advice. TheDo-Gooder.com is limited to ethical dilemmas culled from current events, the media, popular culture, and situations I encounter during the rare occasions that I leave my house. If you would like to suggest a topic, please do.

Is this a political site?
No. I have strong political leanings, but I try my best to separate them from my ethical arguments. But I do believe that, if one consistently bases one's beliefs and actions on considered attempts to be ethical, one will find themselves headed in a certain political direction. I won't say which direction.

Who are you?
Please visit "About The Do-Gooder."