Law & Chaos, Good & Evil

Alignment Thoughts
In The Strategic Review Vol. II, No. 1, Gary Gygax explains the meaning of Law and Chaos and their relationship to Good and Evil. He states that at the time (Feb. 1976) some confusion exists regarding the nature of Alignment. Mr. Gygax admits that when he authored the game, Law and Good were closely connected in his own mind. Similarly, Chaos and Evil could be thought of as essentially the same. Not synonymous he points out, but they meant "just about the same thing" he writes. As his playing the game continued, substantial differences arose in his campaign and are somewhat reflected in the wording used in Greyhawk.

Chaotic Alignment by a player generally betokens chaotic action on the player’s part without any rule to stress this aspect, i.e. a chaotic player is usually more prone to stab even his lawless buddy in the back for some desired gain. However, chaos is just that — chaotic. Evil monsters are as likely to turn on their supposed confederates in order to have all the loot as they are to attack a lawful party in the first place. 

 In the Strategic Review article, Mr. Gygax clearly states Law and Chaos are opposites, but "are neither good nor evil in their definitions". This clarified definition holds closer to the way Law and Chaos are used by Michael Moorcock in the Elric stories. Chaos is both random and creative, Law is stability and stagnation in the Elric saga where each has a positive and a negative aspect. It is interesting to note in the article Mr. Gygax describes Law, Chaos, Good and Evil in terms of a list of word descriptors pertaining to the four alignments giving us examples of what he considers in each.
Mr. Gygax states that at this point (time of the article) there are five alignments, not three (as in White Box).  He lists them as Lawful Good, Lawful Evil, Chaotic Good, Chaotic Evil and Neutral. He also re-orders the list of creatures and their respective alignments according to the five categories. Paladins of course are the epitome of Lawful Good. Evil High Priests may be Lawful Evil or Chaotic Evil. Druids, elementals and thieves occupy the Neutral position.
Mr. Gygax suggests that the referee keep a record of each character's actions with regard to alignment. In this way Alignment may shift as play progresses and a character may eventually undergo an Alignment change based on his/her deeds. The Paladin may fall or the thief redeem himself. The list of provided descriptors may be used referenced with respect to character behavior as a guide.
The idea of opposing forces, both those aligned with Law and Chaos and those aligned with Good and Evil, continues to divide the milieu and provides competing factions in the campaign. It is assumed that forces of Law, perhaps both good and evil, will oppose the forces of Chaos setting the stage for the tension which roleplay thrives on. It is up to the referee and players to determine how this conflict will shape the campaign. The gods and mythos of the setting should reflect the Alignments as well.
I find it interesting to note that Mr. Gygax proposes a rather strict interpretation of Alignment and behavior. The Paladin, he writes, has very little latitude in terms of adherence to a strict code of Lawful Good behavior.  Likewise, the Evil High Priest must continue to act in a consistently evil manner or lose status. Druids serve only themselves and nature in their Neutrality, but according to Mr. Gygax, "occasionally make human sacrifice" and are therefore "slightly predisposed towards evil actions". He goes on to make a generalized statement that:

Most of humanity falls into the lawful category, and most of lawful humanity lies near the line between good and evil. With proper leadership the majority will be prone towards lawful/good. Few humans are chaotic, and very few are chaotic and evil.

I suppose he is talking about the game milieu, but maybe he is giving us an insight into his personal belief regarding fellow human beings. Regardless of the discussion on human nature, this article gives us insight into the intended role of Alignment in the White Box and subsequent editions of the game. Alignment continues to evolve as the game evolves, but it has remained a central theme across the editions and helps set The World's Most Popular RPG apart from competing products. I personally see Alignment as a part of Mr. Gygax that continues with us to the present.