Is the Human Race more prone to Altruism or Egoism

[Strike For The South]

Discuss amongst yourselves

[PBI]

Hmm, depends on the person, but I would tend to say that altruism is a uniquely human trait, and that without it human society is impossible.

Was that the question? Perhaps you could give your own views to spark discussion?

[ICantSpellDawg]

Prone to egoism, capable of altruism.

[Lemur]

Egotism/altruism is a funny way to break it down, since both can simultaneously exist in the same person, the same action, the same moment. And both can be absent.

At the end of the day, I'd say that humans are generally much more cooperative than combative. If this were not the case, we wouldn't have civilization.

[Viking]

Between the two - egoism.

[Banquo's Ghost]

Hmm, depends on the person, but I would tend to say that altruism is a uniquely human trait, ...

Not exactly. Altruism has a specific meaning in biology and is widely seen amongst organisms as a reproductive strategy.

Much like the human variant, much discussion is ongoing as to exactly why it exists.

[ICantSpellDawg]

Right - we are going to get into the debate about whether or not Altruism is simply an advanced form of Egoism. I believe that altruism is distinct from egoism, even though certain acts can seem to be similar. Doing something to advance those around you may seem altruistic, when in reality generous socialization and alliance building is part of human development and power consolidation. Don't let this reality trick you into believing that altruism doesn't exist. Martyrdom or self-sacrifice to a different level can serve no egoistic purpose beyond some thinly rationalized biological function such as the extention of your progeny and DNA. You could equally argue by this standard that you simply have children to support you when you are old, rather than to spread your genetic sequence. I believe, instead that the knowing loss of life of one party on behalf of another goes well beyond any reasonable concept of egoism.

I stick with my opinion that humans are prone to egoism but are capable of altruism.

[yesdachi]

Both – we all try and establish ourselves as the alpha (or as high up the ladder as we can be) while spending our energy taking care of and protecting others.

I am the alpha in my family while my wife tries to contest this to become the alpha (I can parallel park and that gives me the alpha spot but I fear I slip a little more everyday to her crazy feminine wilds), either way we are both working to provide for and protect our child/family.

Perhaps for someone without the “burden” of a family they are free to let their egoism grow. Someone with a greater family burden may be more likely to give up their dominant alpha position or at least be less likely to challenge the current alpha because they would rather spend their time being more selfless (like a grandma).

[Craterus]

I think it'd be useful to establish a consensus on the definitions here.

But I'd say that the majority of human behaviour is centred around the ego.

[ajaxfetish]

Martyrdom or self-sacrifice to a different level can serve no egoistic purpose beyond some thinly rationalized biological function such as the extention of your progeny and DNA.

Not a thin rationalization. You're just stuck in the mindset that you are ultimately responsible for what you do, rather than a slave to the gene.

Where does altruism most commonly express itself? In the preservation and advancement of close kin. Protecting family is direct service to the gene. Protecting community, nation, and other associations is indirect service by assisting the society and raising the chances for a higher standard of living. Protecting other human beings in general is further indirect service by assisting the species in its chance for survival and success. There are of course exceptions. Parents who sacrifice to protect adopted children don't fit neatly into the model, but it's a very powerful model nonetheless, and the statement that self-sacrifice can serve no egoistic purpose is imo much too strong.

Ajax

[ICantSpellDawg]

Not a thin rationalization. You're just stuck in the mindset that you are ultimately responsible for what you do, rather than a slave to the gene.

Where does altruism most commonly express itself? In the preservation and advancement of close kin. Protecting family is direct service to the gene. Protecting community, nation, and other associations is indirect service by assisting the society and raising the chances for a higher standard of living. Protecting other human beings in general is further indirect service by assisting the species in its chance for survival and success. There are of course exceptions. Parents who sacrifice to protect adopted children don't fit neatly into the model, but it's a very powerful model nonetheless, and the statement that self-sacrifice can serve no egoistic purpose is imo much too strong.

Ajax

I think that it is a very weak model. I don't buy it.