Does altruism exist?

[Cenotaph]

Well... does it? If it does, then explain why. If it doesn't, then explain why not.

altruism (n) - the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

 

[Cenotaph]

Bump

 

[newpolitics]

Yes. It has been crucial to our survival, and as a social and intelligent species, it may be an emergent property that results from the ability to have a theory of mind. From an evolutionary point of view, altruism exists only towards kin, and possibly leaders, because, it would aid in the survival either of an individuals gene pool (includes family) or of the entire clan/species.

 

[Cenotaph]

Yes. It has been crucial to our survival, and as a social and intelligent species, it may be an emergent property that results from the ability to have a theory of mind. From an evolutionary point of view, altruism exists only towards kin, and possibly leaders, because, it would aid in the survival either of an individuals gene pool (includes family) or of the entire clan/species.

That's a valid point to make. However, do you not think that you will receive some sort of benefit as a result of helping other members of your own species in the way in which you just described? You mentioned that altruism was and is crucial to the continuation of not only civilization, but our species as well. Don't you think by establishing laws and various systems in society that we're creating an environment that will also help ourselves in the process?

When we're presented with something like this, we really need to look into what it means to be "selfless." (This is where metalogic begins to rear its convoluted, ugly head). So, what does it mean to be selfless?

 

[boedicca]

Yes. It has been crucial to our survival, and as a social and intelligent species, it may be an emergent property that results from the ability to have a theory of mind. From an evolutionary point of view, altruism exists only towards kin, and possibly leaders, because, it would aid in the survival either of an individuals gene pool (includes family) or of the entire clan/species.

That's not altruism. If one values one's children, then making taking care of them a priority over a new car is just serving one's hierarchy of values.

Altruism is a philosophy of selflessness that power craving people use to get others to sacrifice their own welfare to serve as tools of the power mongers.

 

[Skull Pilot]

Well... does it? If it does, then explain why. If it doesn't, then explain why not.

altruism (n) - the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

More interesting reading on the subject

Altruistic equations that killed a good man - Voices - The Independent

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Price-Altruism-George-Origins-Kindness/dp/0393339998]The Price of Altruism: George Price and the Search for the Origins of Kindness: Oren Harman: 9780393339994: Amazon.com: Books[/ame]

 

[presonorek]

I doubt it.