Altruism or Selfless

souggy said:
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Actually, she used a biochemical answer for that.
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Could be, as well. I was sticking to the psychological explanations that lead back to the self being the motivation.
 
Wirelessly posted

Well, to be fair, in order to throw yourself on a grenade, it would be an impulsive choice-- given you have no time to flesh out the consequences and the benefits.
 
souggy said:
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Well, to be fair, in order to throw yourself on a grenade, it would be an impulsive choice-- given you have no time to flesh out the consequences and the benefits.
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Sub-conscious controls impulse. Just because you don't take time to consciously weigh the pros and cons does not mean that your belief system is not controlling your every behavior.
 
Tousi said:
Who said the soldier was a Christian?
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Christians aren't the only religion that believes in reward after death for good deeds or honorable death. In fact, many of the Eastern religions are even stronger on those points that the Christian religion. I used the Christian religion as an example because, judging from the posts around here, Christian was an example that the majority could easily relate to.
 
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It's the sense that they're a better person that dictate terminating their life is for a supposedly good cause. Seems selfless, and to us it is, but the person die feeling better about themselves knowing it's a noble thing to do.

Otherwise monks will never set themselves on fire; atheists wouldn't commit honorable acts that seem suicidal to the rest of us and why Japanese took on kamikaze missions.
 
souggy said:
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It's the sense that they're a better person that dictate terminating their life is for a supposedly good cause. Seems selfless, and to us it is, but the person die feeling better about themselves knowing it's a noble thing to do.

Otherwise monks will never set themselves on fire; atheists wouldn't commit honorable acts that seem suicidal to the rest of us and why Japanese took on kamikaze missions.
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Bingo. Nothing to do with Christianity. Just with a belief system that interacts with the subconscious in influencing behavior.
 
Reba said:
I hate to use this word again but it "depends."

Some of the concepts that can be included are "not selfish," "care about others," "benefit others without benefiting self," or "doing good for others."

It depends on the context of how it's being used.

If you're trying to describe a person as altruistic, then go ahead and describe that person's behaviors and attitudes that fit the definition of altruism.

"She is a kind person who uses her time, resources and energy to help other people with no expectation or desire for reward or praise." (example)

For altruistic groups:

"An altruistic society is one that...."


For an academic use:

"The theory of altruism is that...."



One English word sometimes requires more than one sign, and vice verse. Sometimes one sign requires many English words. There isn't always a one-for-one match. :)
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Thanks, this seems so far to be the best way I guess.
Thanks,
*EQL*
 
jillio said:
Dying in an honorable way is an automatic in road to Heaven. Rather than waiting to get killed in battle, he "saved his fellow soldier by sacrificing himself." Figured if he was going to die anyway, he might as well control the way so he got something out of it, too.
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Total baloney. That would mean no atheists would ever sacrifice their lives for others, and we know that isn't true. Also, when one throws one's body on a grenade there's no time to think about consequences.
 
Reba said:
Total baloney. That would mean no atheists would ever sacrifice their lives for others, and we know that isn't true. Also, when one throws one's body on a grenade there's no time to think about consequences.
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I'm in awe of Reba's wisdom here.
 
Reba said:
Total baloney. That would mean no atheists would ever sacrifice their lives for others, and we know that isn't true. Also, when one throws one's body on a grenade there's no time to think about consequences.
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Don't forget that soldiers are trained to be that way. In combat it is always about the guy next to you and your ability to have his back.
 
Reba said:
Total baloney. That would mean no atheists would ever sacrifice their lives for others, and we know that isn't true. Also, when one throws one's body on a grenade there's no time to think about consequences.
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Thanks for saying this. I choose to believe that altruism exists.
 
Bottesini said:
Thanks for saying this. I choose to believe that altruism exists.
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I agree. It is basically the unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Proof comes from the very first act and at that point there's is no knowledge of getting something in return.
 
Beowulf said:
Don't forget that soldiers are trained to be that way. In combat it is always about the guy next to you and your ability to have his back.
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Yes, training is an important component. Good training allows the soldier to act immediately without thinking it out.
 
Bottesini said:
Thanks for saying this. I choose to believe that altruism exists.
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It exists.....some people are too bitter to see. Perhaps some feel guilt because they don't have the same feelings.

Christians don't do good deeds for a "reward" in the end because Christians know that good deeds don't get you into Heaven.
 
TXgolfer said:
It exists.....some people are too bitter to see. Perhaps some feel guilt because they don't have the same feelings.

Christians don't do good deeds for a "reward" in the end because Christians know that good deeds don't get you into Heaven.
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Yes, and most especially if you aren't legalistic.
 
Wirelessly posted

Selfhood is not necessarily a bad thing; if we don't have resolutions to make us feel better by ourselves, then the world will truly be apathetic and void of morals and values. So, it's not a bad thing.

Wish I can post a video about emphatic drives without needing to find a transcript.
 
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TXgolfer said:
It exists.....some people are too bitter to see. Perhaps some feel guilt because they don't have the same feelings.

Christians don't do good deeds for a "reward" in the end because Christians know that good deeds don't get you into Heaven.
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Exactly.
 
Reba said:
Total baloney. That would mean no atheists would ever sacrifice their lives for others, and we know that isn't true. Also, when one throws one's body on a grenade there's no time to think about consequences.
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It doesn't mean that at all. It simply means that they have a less spiritual motivation behind their behavior. Behavior is ruled by hedonistic pursuits as well. The explanation offered was simply one example of the motivation that leads, always, back to self.

But, then, I didn't expect you to buy it. You appear to be quite closed minded of any suggestion of behavioral explanation that contradicts your particular religious belief system. However, I have said it before, and will say it again: "Just because you refuse to accept it does not, in any way, mean that it not true."
 
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