The concept of karma originated in ancient Indian religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism. In these belief systems, karma refers to the law of cause and effect, where one's actions, intentions, and deeds have consequences in this life or future lives. The basic idea is that positive actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions lead to negative outcomes.
In a philosophical sense, karma can be seen as a moral principle that encourages individuals to act in a responsible and ethical manner. It suggests that one's actions have repercussions and encourages people to take responsibility for their deeds.
However, from a more scientific or empirical standpoint, there is no concrete evidence to prove the existence of karma in the literal sense as described in religious beliefs. There is no observable mechanism by which "karma" directly influences events or outcomes in a supernatural way.
Instead, we can understand karma as a concept that has some practical value. When people act kindly and compassionately towards others, it often leads to positive interactions and a more harmonious society. On the other hand, negative actions can create conflicts and harm to oneself and others.
The idea of karma can also serve as a source of comfort or hope for some individuals, believing that good deeds will be rewarded in the long run and that wrongdoing will have consequences.
In summary, whether karma "does its job" depends on one's perspective. As a religious or philosophical concept, it can offer guidance and encourage ethical behavior. From a scientific perspective, there is no concrete evidence to support the supernatural aspects of karma.