Question for you regarding Altruism

Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 11 months ago to Philosophy
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We've had a totally voluntary military for about 40 years now.
The ultimate altruistic act would be to willingly give one's life for others.
We've had several periods of conflict over those 40 years.

How do Objectivists view those who volunteer for the military? Especially the Army and Marines who have been the brunt of the casualties in the past 40 years.

Isn't volunteering for something that might result in the ultimate sacrifice, one's own life, for the benefit of others, the ultimate form of altruism?

Should those who volunteer for the military be admired, or vilified?

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  • Posted by $ Mimi 10 years, 11 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Watch the interview of Johnny Carson with Ayn Rand on Youtube..
    A draft would be considered evil because it is about forcing someone to fight, but Ayn Rand argued that it is good for men to volunteer to fight for their freedoms because it is in their self-interest to do so. (So keeping with objectivism.)
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  • Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 11 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Not according to many on this site. Altruism is to be vilified. Volunteering for a situation that has a higher probability of death would seem to be a situation of altruism. Where am I going astray?
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  • Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 11 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Well, in truth, all choices are voluntary. It has been argued on this site that Mother Theresa should be vilified for her altruism, yet it was merely a choice to dedicate her life to helping the poor. She did not face possible death for her choice as do soldiers. Why the difference?
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  • Posted by Zenphamy 10 years, 11 months ago
    It's voluntary, which means they supposedly made up their own minds. Some 60% of Army and Marines are in non-fighting roles and many never come close to battle.
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  • Posted by conscious1978 10 years, 11 months ago
    Volunteering to guard or defend your values (including those you love) is a resolutely selfish choice for those that view it from that perspective. :) An altruist might have other motivations....

    I offer my gratitude as a small payment to those who have protected my liberty.
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    Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 11 months ago in reply to this comment.
    You side-stepped the question. I believe you consider yourself an Objectivist. Do you admire or vilify them for their choice?
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