Are we being altruistic or selfish when we attempt to preserve life. For example, we make attempts to save the lives of dogs stuck in ice or sick babies.
2007-03-11 03:46:44 · 5 answers · asked by sokrates 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Because every life is valuable, and life is the only thing we know. We know nothing of what is beyond death, and that is a very scary thought. So we try to preserve everything that we can.
2007-03-11 03:53:33 · answer #1 · answered by Liz 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In the case of preserving life, there is a fluctuating line between alturistism and selfishness. Of central concern should be the question what will the quality of life be after we "preserve" it. If the quality of life will be good then it is was an altruisitic decision. For example a sick baby might go on to live a productive, full life. If the quality of life will be bad, then it was a selfish decision. Having a loved one in a coma on life support for years is not a full life.
2007-03-11 11:47:06 · answer #2 · answered by ignoramus_the_great 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All life is precious to us because it is the only thing we know.Part of preserving life is defying death and the unknown that it represents.
2007-03-11 17:45:47 · answer #3 · answered by xxx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We do this because we fear the possibility that death is the end of us.
Love and blessings Don
2007-03-11 10:51:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
We are being deluded and "greedy". Hence buddhism's idea that the root of all suffering is desire.
2007-03-11 11:04:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋