Such thing as true altruism?

[JonHecht]

If we demand confirmation, rather than simple appeals to intuition, then putting metaphysical skepticism and skepticism concerning selfless acts on the same level is not by any means out of line. We have no more evidence for one than the other. And I can provide plenty of alternative explanations to physicalism. A lesser argument (which you should accede to, once again to remain consistent) is that one must be a solipsist due to the lack of confirmation regarding the problem of other minds. In the end, one is going to have to make a leap of faith concerning what they believe--demanding confirmation is unreasonable, unless one is going to be a complete skeptic.

 

[indesertum]

I was going to write out more replies, but I think all of them have already been hashed out.

It seems like we're at a point where you just believe something (like Jon Heck just choosing to believe he physically exists). Since you can't prove that the true motive behind a so called selfless act is at the interest of the receiver and disinterest of the giver, what's the point? You just choose to believe that the person who steps in front of a train to save a stranger did it in inner dissatisfaction, disinterest.

But if the person who stepped in front of a train to save the stranger did it because he felt he would have been more happy than if he didn't, does that make the action less commendable?

There's just a difference in standards. Jon Heck would be feel more happy being alive and guilty than dead and guilt free, whereas other people might feel more happy the other way around. Who is the argue what is more ethical? I just don't think the self interest based in self happiness cancels out the ethical laudability of such an act.

I think the op is trying to insinuate that selfishness is wrong. But I still don't see what's wrong with being selfish. If your own self interest is the interest of others, how is selfishness sinful?

 

[JonHecht]

Originally Posted by indesertum

If your own self interest is the interest of others, how is selfishness sinful?

I see we have a Spinozan ethicist among us.

I want to clarify what I have been saying earlier, as I don't think I did a very good job of being clear in the first place. I am not concerned with whether or not altruism is a good thing (though I think it is). The question is merely whether it exists, and that is all I have been arguing for.

 

[CBDB]

Originally Posted by chrisjustinparr

I mean many people who volunteer do it for fear of god (Catholics),

Sorry but this is a bit simple and largely wrong. Many Christians do charity out of a love of God not a fear. Loving God means trying to see the divine in everyone and emulating the example set by Jesus.