what or who held the belief that man only gives because he receives something in return?

Question

I seem to recall a debate in philosophy or perhaps between to philosophers one who believed that someone only gives because he gets something in return (ie satisfaction, admiration, etc) versus the ability for someone to give, just for the sake of giving, expecting nothing in return and without selfish motive...sound familiar to anyone?

Lauren24 - that is exactly what I was thinking of...thank you! It was driving me crazy!!!

Answer 1

What I think you are alluding to is the debate over altruism. This topic has been hotly debated for centuries. Perhaps most famously, Ayn Rand, a well known philosopher, has addressed this debate in many of her writings. As an advocate of existentialism, she contends that altruism (giving selflessly) does not exist, and that one only does good deeds, because they receive satisfaction and pleasure from it. She would say that altruism does not exist, and thus selfless acts do not exist.

It has also been debated on Friends, when Phoebe lets a bee sting her as a "selfless" act. :)

Answer 2

I do not recall such a debate but think about it for a moment. What is the fundamental reason for giving? Is it for recognition, praise, thanks, selfish motive. That is not important. The person who gives in secret is the true hero. In that regard there is no expectation, no reward, no honorable mention. Mist

Answer 3

I have never heard nor do I know when that philosophical debate took place. I think people are born into sin.....and they have to learn to be good..........We humans catch on quick.......and for some profound reason most of us need the rest of the world.........and in return for our need, we share and give freely.

Answer 4

bull .lots of pèople give ,not expecting returns ,
in my long experience of people.unless these count as returns -satisfaction, admiration,still there are many, who dont even expect that

Answer 5

i would have to say you should go google video and search for loose change that video will help you on ur search...