Does altruism exist or is it just a word?

[karamazov80]

I think it happens far less than people believe. Even if you are very helpful to others...if you are deriving a feeling of pleasure from it, it is not altruism.

If you are doing something for others when you damned well do not want to and are gaining nothing by it...you may be practicing some altruism...maybe.

Yeah, even if you don't derive "joy" from something, if you are doing it out of a sense of duty, or if you are trying to alleviate guilt, then you are still deriving utility out of it. That means it isn't completely altruistic. But doing good for others, whatever the motivation, is a good thing IMO. Not sure that it matters if it is truly altruistic or not.

Its happens in spurts. Sometimes you have it, most of the time you don't. Some people never get it. Some people have it more often then others. But ultimately, it comes and goes. Its like gas.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af1OxkFOK18[/ame]

 

[barryo]

altruism is fleeting at best...................

 

[Devil_666]

I think my grandmother had Altruism. It sucked cuz she could never remember anything.

 

[The Ween]

People do good deads without thinking about themselves or getting anything out of it. It happens. Call it whatever you want, it happens.

 

[crows]

It only exists in the Matrix.

Close thread.

[ame]https://youtu.be/8koYEYwpQnE[/ame]

 

[barryo]

wiki expanded definition:

"Altruism play /ˈæltruːɪzəm/ is a concern for the welfare of others. It is a traditional virtue in many cultures, and a core aspect of various religious traditions, though the concept of 'others' toward whom concern should be directed can vary among cultures and religions. Altruism is the opposite of selfishness.

Altruism can be distinguished from feelings of duty and loyalty. Altruism is a motivation to provide something of value to a party who must be anyone but the self, while duty focuses on a moral obligation towards a specific individual (for example, a god, a king), or collective (for example, a government). Pure altruism consists of sacrificing something for someone other than the self (e.g. sacrificing time, energy or possessions) with no expectation of any compensation or benefits, either direct, or indirect (for instance from recognition of the giving).

Much debate exists as to whether true altruism is possible. Arguably, the act of sharing, helping or sacrificing may be primarily motivated by the gratification it returns. This seems to assume a different understanding of 'benefits', though, from the traditionally assumed meanings (which are external - recognition from others, reciprocation etc. - rather than internal), making this a problematic argument.

The term altruism may also refer to an ethical doctrine that claims that individuals are morally obliged to benefit others. Used in this sense, it is the opposite of egoism."


i still say it's fleeting.

p.s. king i know........words..............this is not for you...........

 

[Sachiel]

I think my grandmother had Altruism. It sucked cuz she could never remember anything.

I think you mean autism?

 

[The Ween]

I think you mean autism?

 

[Batty]

I don't like humans.

 

[Sachiel]

 

[thenammagazine]

Admit it, ChunkyZergling. You're a pothead.

 

[ChunkyZergling]

Admit it, ChunkyZergling. You're a pothead.

Nah man, pots not my drug of choice. After cooking up a batch of meth in my laboratory, I usually whip up a few pounds of crack. After Gus's men finish inspecting the batch, I free-base the crack. Feels great! Makes playing WOW a lot more fun but that's the reason I cook in the first place, for the game cards coarse I'd suck ____ for em too but I'm happier with this set-up.

 

[Rotfish]

Even if you are very helpful to others...if you are deriving a feeling of pleasure from it, it is not altruism.

I don't think it matters if you feel good about yourself or not, as long as the pleasure wasn't your focus. You can get it on the side, sure, but if that's not even a fraction of the reason why you did it and you didn't care about getting it either way, then it's altruism. IMHO, of course.

 

[fosing]

when is your term paper due? lolz

 

[King Darkness]

Its happens in spurts. Sometimes you have it, most of the time you don't. Some people never get it. Some people have it more often then others. But ultimately, it comes and goes. Its like gas.

This is an A+ paper

You're most welcome.


(altruism in action)

 

[fosing]

This is an A+ paper

You're most welcome.


(altruism in action)

B-

needs more words.

 

[ChunkyZergling]

This is an A+ paper

You're most welcome.


(altruism in action)

I hate the 10 character rule!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hoodonit00]

Although rare it does exist. There are instances of soldiers throwing themselves on grenades to protect fellow soldiers.

 

[ChunkyZergling]

Although rare it does exist. There are instances of soldiers throwing themselves on grenades to protect fellow soldiers.

To be remembered as heros.

 

[hoodonit00]

To be remembered as heros.

Not sure how to take your post? You just stating that fact or are you saying that it's not altruism because they are doing it so they will be remembered as heroes? If the latter then I say bull. I'm sure the last thought that's going through their mind is not "I'm going to be a hero" but more "I have to save my friends".