Does altruism reall exist? Why or why not?

Answer 1

It can be argued that altruism does not exist. If one commits an act of "altruism," they do it because it makes them feel good (i.e. everyone acts in self-interest). I think it's hard to argue for true altruism, but when people do things that act against self-interest (suicide bombers, for instance), it makes you wonder about motives for actions.

"Duty" may be an acceptable logical premise for an act, rather than simple self-interest, but do you equate altruism with duty or does altruism require something above and beyond duty?

Answer 2

Pure unadulterated altruism is probably not without kickbacks to the person doing it...so no. Such kickbacks, from tax write offs to good self-PR, even just the warm fuzzy that we get from doing nice things for other people...all reinforce our tendency to be generous to others.

Celebrities are notorious do-gooders. Oprah and her African school, Madonna and her African baby, every celebrity has a cause and they talk plenty about the work they are doing in it. That's fine. Of course it serves them well in the PR department...but their acts of kindness touch their hearts too so it isn't usually about just having good opinions of your audience. And they are doing good things with their fame, inspiring others to pitch in and do something too. And as far as it goes that they could probably afford to do more...well, it isn't about the money...if all the rich and famous people donated all their excess wealth to needy causes, there would still be problems that weren't solved, and regular folks like you and me may think that with all the money in the right places, there wasn't anything left for a pauper to do. But that is NOT true. There is always something that anyone can do, celebrities' jobs as spokespeople for causes...are to draw attention to problems that they care about, and to role model efforts to help solve those problems.

When we do things because it is the right thing TO do, well, that affects everyone positively, and if you throw religion into the mix, it becomes a good work or an act of faith, or an act of charity, or a way to keep your karma working FOR you...kindnesses upon the instruction of God...the benefit of which is staying on good terms with God. So there is definitely a vested interest in being compassionate to others.

That doesn't mean it is bad. If we were not meant to be kind to one another, we would exist alone. At least that is my opinion. Humans are very very social creatures. We seem to be drawn to each other, we thrive in community, we need adults when we are young, we do not exist well alone, except for the occasional hermit and they are considered strange in our culture. Humans do more for each other than just having mating season and then going our own ways.

We are deeply reinforced emotionally by being cooperative (could be considered kindness) with each other, because we need each other, no more or less than we are deeply reinforced to reproduce by the pleasures of sex. Both are survival instincts and we are ingrained with these instincts to benefit the human race.

And just because there is no truly unselfish act, that doesn't mean that there is no genuine generosity. Some people give more than they really should, given their own resources. Some people see a need in another person they shouldn't have to worry about and they act on it. This is truly generous...when you give of yourself to help someone else, even if your everyday existence stays the same whether you do the act or not.

Answer 3

I think not, I enjoy doing things for others without them knowing it was I who helped them. I suppose it is not truly altruism, since I enjoy it.

Answer 4

Yes, it exits. Research showed that it was caused by underdeveloped brain. Why? Ask someone else.

Answer 5

I can't think of a situation where it could exist.

Answer 6

Yes, we will give our soul and not compromise on anything

Answer 7

yes I have it.