NationStates Jolt Archive

Altruism is a basic belief concerning human morality that states that we, as humans, act unselfishly in at least some (if not all) of our matters.

at the other end of the spectrum, lies Egoism. This moral belief explains that human beings act selfishly in every action we take.

Now, i am an Altruist, but i have found it impossible to explain a situation in wich someone acts unselfishly. it may seem obvious to some, but the Egoist would argue that although the act may seem selfless, we still subliminally do that action to better ourselves.
Example: Giving to charity.
even though it IS a nice thing to do, it still makes the giver happier. the giver may be trying to feel power over others, or gain praise in the community.

I am doing a report on Moral Philosophy, and i am nearing my conclusion. as an Altruist, i don't want to explain my opinion without evidence. Any imput from either Altruists or Egoists, or anyone else will be immensely helpfull.

Altruism is a basic belief concerning human morality that states that we, as humans, act unselfishly in at least some (if not all) of our matters.

at the other end of the spectrum, lies Egoism. This moral belief explains that human beings act selfishly in every action we take.

Now, i am an Altruist, but i have found it impossible to explain a situation in wich someone acts unselfishly. it may seem obvious to some, but the Egoist would argue that although the act may seem selfless, we still subliminally do that action to better ourselves.
Example: Giving to charity.
even though it IS a nice thing to do, it still makes the giver happier. the giver may be trying to feel power over others, or gain praise in the community.

I am doing a report on Moral Philosophy, and i am nearing my conclusion. as an Altruist, i don't want to explain my opinion without evidence. Any imput from either Altruists or Egoists, or anyone else will be immensely helpfull.

Our genes control our nature so that we may act in a way that the species survives, ergo we have selfish stimuli to keep us alive that way every member lives and the species doesn't die out. However the priority for the DNA is the survival of the species which is why social organisms and paternal organisms act selflessly, for the survival of the species. This also explains why many organisms are willing to sacrifice themselves for others.

Our genes control our nature so that we may act in a way that the species survives, ergo we have selfish stimuli to keep us alive that way every member lives and the species doesn't die out. However the priority for the DNA is the survival of the species which is why social organisms and paternal organisms act selflessly, for the survival of the species. This also explains why many organisms are willing to sacrifice themselves for others.

You can join the cool NSers at the more populat Altruism thread if you want.