[p2p-research] Defining Altruism ? Normative vs Autonomous ? Liberal Vs Conservative ?

[Michel Bauwens]

I am surprised by these views regarding metaphysics ... the left, which in
your view is metaphysical, holds mostly to materialist philosophies, while
the right is most often religiously inspired ...

yet in  your view is the only one you think is metaphysical,

then again, your very sympathetic to arch-religious transhumanist ideas ...
and you find the new atheism, which is pretty much a rehash of 19th century
anti-religion, one of the most interesting thought trends ...

I find that quite contradictory, which is fine for me, most humans are that
way, if not all and I'm pretty sure people would discovered contradictions,

but that you only see metaphysics in the political directions you differ
with, is for me more problematic, because it isn't a fair charge,

both the left and the right have 'ideals', though different, and both have
underlying assumptions which determine worldviews, I don't see how anyone
can espace that,

now if you want to narrow down metaphysics to religious points of view, then
generally speaking, the right is much more 'metaphysical' than the left ..

I think that we are indeed 'responsible', in a metaphysical and moral sense,
for all our brothers and sisters, but it is indeed almost impossible to
practice, we cannot carry all the pain in the world as individuals, so, I
fully understand that you cannot be pragmatically responsible for all
individual human beings .. but moral and ethical developments is essentially
linked to our ability to extend our circle of care ..

Michel




On Tue, Jul 20, 2010 at 9:46 PM, Ryan Lanham <rlanham1963 at gmail.com> wrote:

>  On Tue, Jul 20, 2010 at 1:59 AM, Michel Bauwens <michelsub2004 at gmail.com>wrote:
>
>> interesting distinction of altruism below, as found by Dante,
>>
>> it sheds light on differences like the one between Ryan, who just today
>> saw the culture of the poor as responsible for their plight, and my own
>> response to that,
>>
>
>> see here, the source is below:
>>
>> Politically conservative individuals tend to attribute the causes for a
>> victim's plight (e.g., poverty, homelessness) internally
>> Less sympathy is generated for the victim and consequently less help is
>> given
>> Tendency to hold a belief in a just world (everyone gets what they deserve
>> and deserves what they get)
>> Politically liberal individuals are more likely to make external
>> attributions (e.g., to society) for a victim's plight
>> More sympathy is aroused and more helping occurs
>> Less of a tendency toward just world thinking
>>
>> **
>>
>
> It is an interesting distinction.  I certainly don't hold the poor solely
> responsible for their plight.  Neither do I accept that I am responsible for
> anyone else outside my choosing.  Biology is the basis for both views.  The
> one of the left seems relatively metaphysical.  Metaphysics I find is
> generally employed to mitigate pain and fear.  That's quite rational.  I
> used to like the word justice, but I fear it has been hijacked from those
> who seek fairness to those who seek certain metaphysical ideals...in short,
> politics.
>
> Political views will always differ and must do so.
>
> R.
>
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