From: Jef Allbright (jef@jefallbright.net)
Date: Sat Aug 03 2002 - 08:52:59 MDT
I've been watching this discussion brewing for some time, and I see at least
two factors bubbling to the surface.
(1) The meaning of "altruism" depends on what level of context is being
considered. At the level of social interaction, we can easily say that
people exhibit altruistic behavior. At a more fundamental level, we are
simply following our programming and responding to our environment, and
there is no altruism. At an even more fundamental level, there is not even
a "we" to be discussed.
(2) At the context level where we see people exhibit altruistic behavior,
there are various motivations:
a) a genetic predisposition to help others, rewarded by triggering of
biological pleasure centers in the brain,
b) unconscious psychological pressure based on feelings of "love",
"obligation", "duty", "shame" "honor" and many others that result from
training, social pressures, all tied in with the genetic predispositions
above.
c) conscious behavior based on principles such as the "golden rule", the
"categorical imperative", and religious and moral beliefs that the person
chooses to follow. These principles and beliefs are all tied in with b and
c above.
Response to Lee's examples:
I let people in traffic go before me, and then I take my turn.
Motivations: c - I believe I am setting a good example for others to
emulate and thereby contributing to the better world I want to live in. b -
I would feel ashamed if I "selfishly" jumped ahead of others a - I do get a
good feeling when I contribute.
Tipping
c - I tip moderately when service is decent, higher when service is
exceptional (when in cultures where tipping is the norm.) I do this whether
I expect to visit restaurant again or not. I believe my feedback, further
extending to a sincere "thank you" to the server or to the management
contributes to building a better world. b - I would feel ashamed if I saw
myself contributing less than others and being a "cheapskate". a - I get a
small good feeling by contributing.
A stronger example would be giving one's life for others
I haven't been in this position, but it would still follow the same pattern
of motivations. [Suggested thought experiment for the reader.]
Now, do I consider myself altruistic? I don't, because I clearly see my
motivations for these actions, and they are all intended to serve me in some
direct or indirect way.
If others mean something different by the word, then all I can say is "What
is this altruism you speak of?"
- Jef
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