Theories Of Altruism
Egoism is the act of behaving self-interestedly, and is perceived as a negative trait even though it can be seen as a tool of survival (Rosenstand, 2003: 131). However, there is an opposing theory, which is altruism. Altruism is defined as a concern for the welfare of others and is considered virtuous (Rosenstand, 2003: 150). We are often made aware of heroes who risk their lives for others and these heroes inspire many. We are encouraged to be altruistic, early in our lives. Nonetheless, one notices how altruist acts usually include rewards, even if it’s just a simple thank you. This leads to questions such as, does true altruism exist, or do people always have a motive as to why they perform altruistically?
In its ideal form there is no leeway
or rather should not be a leeway for motive. Ideally, altruism is when one ought to be entirely unselfish; self-interest has no role to play and should be done away with (Rosenstand 2003: 150). Ideal altruism brings forth the idea that actions, which benefit you, are inherently wrong (Rosenstand 2003: 150). One should always be helpful. In its ideal form, one can recognize this theory to be in its truest form, however realistically and rationally, this moral theory’s practicality could possibly only work for a small percentage of people (Rosenstand 2003: 151). Rationality is important when it comes to ethics as they are grounded in reason (Pojman 2006: 5). An ethic that cannot be rationalized has a weak foundation meaning that it could be easily pulled apart. This would essentially mean that even though pure altruism exists it lacks stability. Therefore ideal altruism would be an inadequate theory. According to Peter Singer, a more realistic and rational form of this theory would be reciprocal altruism (Rosenstand 2003: 151).
Reciprocal altruism is where ones unselfish acts are based solely on reciprocation, meaning that there is an expectation of the same being done to you if you put others’ interests ahead of yours (Rosenstand 2003: 151). So by helping others, one would expect help back, so it could be argued that there is a motive behind every act of kindness. There has always been that distinction between behavior that is altruistic or egoistic, however one should be aware of how theories can be interrelated. If using psychological egoism, which states that humans are inherently selfish and self-interested (Rosenstand 2003: 130), one can argue that the motives behind reciprocal altruistic behavior are just as selfish as an egoist acting in a way of self-interest.
In its ideal form there is no leeway
or rather should not be a leeway for motive. Ideally, altruism is when one ought to be entirely unselfish; self-interest has no role to play and should be done away with (Rosenstand 2003: 150). Ideal altruism brings forth the idea that actions, which benefit you, are inherently wrong (Rosenstand 2003: 150). One should always be helpful. In its ideal form, one can recognize this theory to be in its truest form, however realistically and rationally, this moral theory’s practicality could possibly only work for a small percentage of people (Rosenstand 2003: 151). Rationality is important when it comes to ethics as they are grounded in reason (Pojman 2006: 5). An ethic that cannot be rationalized has a weak foundation meaning that it could be easily pulled apart. This would essentially mean that even though pure altruism exists it lacks stability. Therefore ideal altruism would be an inadequate theory. According to Peter Singer, a more realistic and rational form of this theory would be reciprocal altruism (Rosenstand 2003: 151).
Reciprocal altruism is where ones unselfish acts are based solely on reciprocation, meaning that there is an expectation of the same being done to you if you put others’ interests ahead of yours (Rosenstand 2003: 151). So by helping others, one would expect help back, so it could be argued that there is a motive behind every act of kindness. There has always been that distinction between behavior that is altruistic or egoistic, however one should be aware of how theories can be interrelated. If using psychological egoism, which states that humans are inherently selfish and self-interested (Rosenstand 2003: 130), one can argue that the motives behind reciprocal altruistic behavior are just as selfish as an egoist acting in a way of self-interest.