I have to give a presentation on this question to my class and would really appreciate some intelligent input.
2007-01-20 06:24:10 · 11 answers · asked by Caduceus89 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
No. Self-interest is a main motive for our actions, but it is not the only one. Altruism, reason, lack of reason and caprice acount for our behavior as well. There are some scenarios in which an action can have no selfish motive. For instance:
A squad of soldiers are fighting a battle and a gernade is thrown into the center of them. They all scatter except one soldeir who thows his body over the gernade, shielding his comrades from the explosion.
This act can have no selfish motive; one might claim the soldier wanted future fame, but he would be a fool if he thought he would gain fame for his act. No, his motive was love for his comrades.
2007-01-20 08:04:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Think of it this way: Imagine a world where everyone helps each other out and compare that world to the world we know now....
Its impossible for anyone not at least feel a little selfish, otherwise the state of things today would not be as bad
Because after all, the root of money is selfish desire.
2007-01-20 14:55:13 · answer #2 · answered by Kremer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At first, I thought NO! There is no way! But in a sense, yes.
Even when we are doing good for others, it is to get that feeling you get when you help someone. That accomplished feeling that allows us to feel good about ourselves. That feeling we get when we know we have done something right. Would that make even our most selfless motives selfish? I don't know. I'm all confused now.
2007-01-20 15:29:56 · answer #3 · answered by gina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We must first cherish ourselves before the world can love us. Only then does everything seem to fall into place as we start to receive all the hopes & dreams of our hearts.
2007-01-20 14:39:59 · answer #4 · answered by iNeviTable fuTure 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More or less, yes. I suppose it could have something to do with the self-conservation instinct; it's an impulse we can't fully control, so all we do tends to be firstly in our best interest. However, it can be inhibited by will power...
2007-01-20 15:45:26 · answer #5 · answered by lucantropeea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Human nature.
2007-01-20 14:31:52 · answer #6 · answered by Mighty C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Despite our best efforts and intentions, we all at some point, want something in return. Can't help it. Human Nature
2007-01-20 14:33:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called survival.
2007-01-20 15:05:19 · answer #8 · answered by Ms Lety 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to a point. It is necessary to our survival.
2007-01-20 14:35:00 · answer #9 · answered by Sophist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We can train ourselves not to be.
2007-01-20 15:19:22 · answer #10 · answered by ghds 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋