Altruism

[koalabear]

If people do something good, and get a warm glow from doing it, I don't begrudge them the feelings of satisfaction.

I have far less respect or people who appear to enjoy being unpleasant.

generaly speaking, people do the things they like doing, for one reason or another. Unless they are forced, paid or otherwise incentivised to do something else.

Well said, JohnD!

Yes I'm sure we all agree with that! Which only goes to show, there's no such thing as altruism - even Mother Teresa is allowed to enjoy a warm glow. QED!

 

[koalabear]

2scoops, I understand what you're saying and you're getting some unfair criticism from people who I don't think grasp quite what we're on about

Cheers all, enjoy your debate!

 

[notb665]

I think Mother Teresa was doing what she did to further the cause of the Catholic Church.

 

[Durgo]

Of course altruism can exist - Its the intent that defines an act as either altruistic or, being a tokenistic do gooder....just as intent defines whether a person is a murderer or careless. Why has this stumped people? isn't this obvious?
If you are motivated purely to help another, and afterwards feel a rewarding sense of having done good - that still counts as altruistic...
If you did it purely to look charitable, win friends and influence people, its not, however much your actions helped.

 

[Shutpa]

An altruistic act is one which benefits only another ie. a completely selfless act.

Every week of the year, I put money in a jar the proceeds of which go towards a xmas party for the older members of our club and have done so for the past sixteen years or so. No one knows because I have never mentioned it and I cannot remember any other member saying that he or she has ever contributed to the collection. Yet every year that money that is collected, not only pays for the party, but in addition, each of the people who attend the party gets a small gift. I have rarely given my contribution a thought until now. I would never call myself altruistic but some might. Would they be wrong?

PS I never go to the party myself.

 

[notb665]

An altruistic act is one which benefits only another ie. a completely selfless act.

Every week of the year, I put money in a jar the proceeds of which go towards a xmas party for the older members of our club and have done so for the past sixteen years or so. No one knows because I have never mentioned it and I cannot remember any other member saying that he or she has ever contributed to the collection. Yet every year that money that is collected, not only pays for the party, but in addition, each of the people who attend the party gets a small gift. I have rarely given my contribution a thought until now. I would never call myself altruistic but some might. Would they be wrong?

PS I never go to the party myself.

But why do you donate this money?

 

[tim west]

Oh come on, everyone knows that Mother Theresa just jumped onto the Princess Diana bandwagon to take some of the glory away from Di's well publicised efforts, the woman was a saint! Di that was.