are humans a selfish creature or a selfless creature? — dan0mac
I very much enjoy that definition of selflessness. Again, my question is still taking form (which is why I posted here, to try to temper it). But I suppose then, what is the distinction between, say, someone doing a selfless act to shine their halos and an actually selfless person? The halo shiners are trying to benefit themselves while "thinking of the welfare of others"- but they are still selfish, and yet I can't help but think that they believe they need to do it, that they NEED to look out for others even if they otherwise wouldn't.
So, is that selfish or selfless, and are we all halo-shiners? Thank you for your input! — dan0mac
basic natural selection says that species only want to ensure the well-being of the species — dan0mac
If one subscribes to this theory of human evolution, then it would appear that altruistic acts are rooted in the selfish motive of strengthening the group. — flaco
Would you agree that being selfish requires that one is also conscious of their selfish motives? I don’t think most people are thinking about group strength when they are behaving altruistically. — Jarmo
But I suppose then, what is the distinction between, say, someone doing a selfless act to shine their halos and an actually selfless person? — dan0mac
As Plantinga argues — Dfpolis
are humans a selfish creature or a selfless creature? — dan0mac
I think it is important to think about the aggregate; are we selfish or selfless, and how does that inform how we conduct ourselves? — dan0mac
Are we just constantly dancing at the line, choosing to lean one way or the other, or is there something in acknowledging that duality that could lead us somewhere better? — dan0mac
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