Altrusm What does it really mean.
Posted by woodlema 11 years, 2 months ago to Philosophy
Full Definition of ALTRUISM
1: unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
2: behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species.
Full Definition of SLAVE
1: a person held in servitude as the chattel of another
2: one that is completely subservient to a dominating influence
Full Definition of COMMUNISM
1a : a theory advocating elimination of private property
b : a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed
2capitalized
a : a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
b : a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production
c : a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably
‘The Greater Good’ — “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one”
The Myth of the Greater Good
Politicians must stop acting like the ends justify the means.
Sheldon Richman | February 24, 2012
I—and most other people, I assume—grew up being taught that the end doesn’t justify the means. Basically, this is an injunction not to rationalize one’s behavior while using other people as mere means to one’s ends.
Altruism, Slavery, Communism, “The Greater Good.” “The Ends Justify the Means” are all at their core the same thing whereby one person or persons are slaves or forced into a position of sacrificial lamb for the benefit of others. They the same evil that has no place in a rational society.
Galt’s Gulch has had many, many comments referring to altruism, but no real discussion on what altruism really means, and how insidious it is. The phrase “Give Back” is a classic example. This phrase instills an innate subconscious guilt on those who “have” to sacrifice the product of their labor to those who did not earn or provide value to receive. To really appreciate this term altruism I want to hear from everyone on just what they “think” altruism is. Ayn Rand was very clear on altruism.
Ayn Rand - The Morality of Altruism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51pMod2A...
1: unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
2: behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species.
Full Definition of SLAVE
1: a person held in servitude as the chattel of another
2: one that is completely subservient to a dominating influence
Full Definition of COMMUNISM
1a : a theory advocating elimination of private property
b : a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed
2capitalized
a : a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
b : a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production
c : a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably
‘The Greater Good’ — “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one”
The Myth of the Greater Good
Politicians must stop acting like the ends justify the means.
Sheldon Richman | February 24, 2012
I—and most other people, I assume—grew up being taught that the end doesn’t justify the means. Basically, this is an injunction not to rationalize one’s behavior while using other people as mere means to one’s ends.
Altruism, Slavery, Communism, “The Greater Good.” “The Ends Justify the Means” are all at their core the same thing whereby one person or persons are slaves or forced into a position of sacrificial lamb for the benefit of others. They the same evil that has no place in a rational society.
Galt’s Gulch has had many, many comments referring to altruism, but no real discussion on what altruism really means, and how insidious it is. The phrase “Give Back” is a classic example. This phrase instills an innate subconscious guilt on those who “have” to sacrifice the product of their labor to those who did not earn or provide value to receive. To really appreciate this term altruism I want to hear from everyone on just what they “think” altruism is. Ayn Rand was very clear on altruism.
Ayn Rand - The Morality of Altruism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51pMod2A...
The primary rejection of Rand is because she was "against charity or kindness", and once people get that idea in their head they psychologically block any further understanding.
I try to use the "higher value" phrase instead of the actual word, when talking to a non-objectivist, but would like your suggestions on how you approach the definition problem in conversations.
Words have identities through common usage over many, many years. That may mean that I have to clarify definitions in conversations with some that don't understand the word or have attached some negative emotional response to, but thats OK. It just deepens the conversation.
If I tell you I smoked a fag today that has a VERY different meaning in 2015 than it did back in the 1940's. Being Gay today very different today from 70 years ago. To play the game smear the queer is not the same meaning today as back in the 70's.
So definitions AREE very important...
Now, as Rand points out it's perfectly reasonable to help others if you derive a benefit from doing so. That benefit doesn't even have to be tangible.
I would also suggest that self-interested does not mean short-sighted. You can do things that you think will benefit you in the long run even if they have no short-term benefit.
2: behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species.
If you opt to provide aid or help, or self-sacrifice willingly with the product of your own labor, for something you find of value, then it is not altruism, it is charity.
Charity:
noun, plural charities.
1.generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless: to devote one's life to charity.
2. something given to a person or persons in need; alms: She asked for work, not charity.
3. a charitable act or work.
4. a charitable fund, foundation, or institution: He left his estate to a charity.
5. benevolent feeling, especially toward those in need or in disfavor: She looked so poor that we fed her out of charity.
6. leniency in judging others; forbearance: She was inclined to view our selfish behavior with charity.
7. Christian love; agape.
“unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others “
This is not the kind Rand condemns because people have a right to pursue what they have a regard for or devotion to.
“behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species.”
This is what Rand condemns because the person is doing something he really doesn't want to do.
I like the way Salta describes the common misunderstanding. I don't know a good word or phrase that describes specifically the second definition (the one we mean) of altruism. Many people who reject Rand because she was supposedly against charity or kindness would agree that forced kindness or grudging kindness motivated by pity are wrong.