Final answer:
The root causes of good deeds are empathy, compassion, and wisdom, as they guide us to feel and alleviate others' sufferings and to act wisely for the greater good. Conversely, greed, envy, and hatred are primary causes of bad deeds, driving individuals towards actions that can harm others and disrupt social harmony. These concepts are explored in various philosophical and ethical discussions, highlighting the importance of moral sentiments and virtues in shaping our behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root causes of good or wholesome deeds can be traced back to innate moral sentiments and learned ethical principles that orient individuals towards pro-social behavior. Among these root causes, empathy, compassion, and wisdom stand out as foundational virtues. Empathy allows us to feel with others and compassion extends that empathy into the desire to alleviate suffering. Wisdom, on the other hand, provides us with the discernment to understand the interdependencies of our actions and to choose those that promote the well-being of others.
In contrast, the root causes of bad or unwholesome deeds are often attributed to negative human emotions and deficiencies in character or understanding. Greed, envy, and hatred are typical examples of such causes. Greed drives individuals to act excessively in their self-interest, often at the expense of others. Envy can result in resentful behavior towards those perceived as more fortunate. Hatred, when unchecked, may lead to harm or destructive actions directed towards others.
There are various philosophical and theological discussions around these root causes. Socrates, for instance, suggests that harm is the product of ignorance. This view aligns with some Indian philosophies that advocate enlightenment as a remedy for suffering caused by attachment. Meanwhile, moral theories such as those proposed by Confucianism and by the philosopher Mencius emphasize benevolence, compassion, and empathy as fundamental for ethical behavior. The practice of ahimsa in Indian philosophy also highlights love and compassion as antidotes to harmful actions. Furthermore, the ongoing debate in ethical theory regarding altruism versus self-interest reflects the complexity underlying motivational factors for good deeds.