Santa

[Nooj]

In one incarnation of Santa, he brings presents if the child has been good and he doesn't bring presents if the child has been bad. Looking back on it now, I wonder how Santa determines whether the child has been good/bad. What standard of good/bad is he using in the Santa mythology?

Actually what I really wanted to ask is this. Is it right to teach kids to be good purely so that they can recieve material goods at the end?

 

[Quaero]

Hehe I like that question. Have you tried telling kids to be good, in exchange for that warm fuzzy feeling? They're more interested in a shiny new toy.

Is it justified? perhaps on a purely ethical standpoint no, but from a realists view you're getting the kids to behave in a positive manner, and it can be argued it is a good first step onto the ladder of morality.

When you get the child to realise there is a reward for being good, then they will continue to commit 'good deeds' in the hope they will get more rewards. Scale this up and you get the whole 'reap what you sow' in heaven idea.

 

[a.d.ivNonasNovembres]

In some parts of the world Santa has a servant who spanks the naughty children rather than merely just not bringing them gifts.
I was always told if I was bad I'd get a lump of coal but after the first year of getting toys I knew that was bs! Cuz I sure was no angel

 

[Chesterton]

Looking back on it now, I wonder how Santa determines whether the child has been good/bad.

He uses a software program involving a complex series of algorithms written by elves.

What standard of good/bad is he using in the Santa mythology?

The full standard hasn't been revealed, but is exampled for us through song: "shouting", "crying" and "pouting" are bad.

Actually what I really wanted to ask is this. Is it right to teach kids to be good purely so that they can recieve material goods at the end?

Yes and no. Yes, because it works, no because it's not true.

 

[quatona]

In one incarnation of Santa, he brings presents if the child has been good and he doesn't bring presents if the child has been bad. Looking back on it now, I wonder how Santa determines whether the child has been good/bad. What standard of good/bad is he using in the Santa mythology?

Objective morality.

Actually what I really wanted to ask is this. Is it right to teach kids to be good purely so that they can recieve material goods at the end?

Quite obviously. Else Santa wouldn´t do it. Who are you to question Santa´s objective morality?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but Santa won´t bring you any presents next year.