the greater good is like the lesser evil, it doesn't really exist

the words "common good" (greater good) were co-opted by the republic from the very start. it means that which is good for the state, assuming the state is good for the people, which it is not and never was, except for the few who stand to profit from the making of laws. even plato decided it wasn't really a good idea, after the republic was written, and after they killed his teacher.