Egoism & Altruism

• Define Altruism.


  It is best to help, serve, or benefit others even at the sacrifice of self-interest.
• Define (Moral) Egoism.

  It is always best to choose to act in our own best interest. Altruism exists, but it is foolish.
• Define Psychological Egoism.

  All motivation is to achieve a benefit for oneself, thus altruism is not realistic, since self-interest persists.
• Who is Ayn Rand?

  • Despised communism and committed to capitalism who no help for the less fortunate.
  • Revered Hollywood's individualism.
  • Pure Egoist who thought we are only responsible to ourselves, and we should accumulate material surplus and power.
• While reading #6a, "Egoism," what are points Ayn Rand made?

  • Says altruism is possible (unlike Hobbes) but defines it (incorrectly) as evil.
  • Defines sacrifice (incorrectly) as giving up a thing of higher value for something of lower value.
  • Thus, selfishness is a virtue and altruism is stupid.
  • Relationships are only useful for personal benefit.
• Define Rational Self-Interest.

  A commitment to reason entails a commitment to egoism.
• Describe reading #6b, "Ring of Gyres."

  • From Plato's Republic.
  • He with the magic ring becomes invisible and avoids the normal consequences to actions.
  • Anyone is foolish not to use it, and those who condemn it are envious or want peace. (Glaucon, Plato's Brother)
  • Socrates says wise men would still act normally.
• Describe reading #6c, "Parable of the Birds."

  • E.O. Wilson & Richard Dawkins.
  • Darwin's "survival of the fittest" promotes might, imperialism, and ruthless egoism.
  • Question: Can we combine radical individualism with limited altruism to benefit of all?
  • Bird grooming rituals remove parasites.
• Define "Suckers" (Parable of the Birds).

  Will groom anyone (altruist).

  • A population with only Suckers will thrive.
• Define "Cheaters" (Parable of the Birds).

  Refuse to groom at all but presents themselves for grooming (egoist).

  • A population of cheaters will die.
  • A Cheater in a Sucker population will thrive with no effort. The Cheater gene will multiply while Suckers die out leading to an extinction of both.
• Define "Grudgers" (Parable of the Birds).

  Groom only those who reciprocate.

  • They tend to prosper in mixed populations.
  • Grudgers demonstrate the success of limited reciprocal altruism (or psychological egoism).