For the enlightened adult, altruism and self-interest merge, and often in concrete ways. For Americans, all this was covered by Daniel Webster in his 2d reply to Hayne, 1830. A long speech but worth the read if you can find it - this seems complete:Essentially, the issue of taxes has been highly altruistic. We need money to pay for more social services — Shawn
So, would you agree with the notion that voting is altruistic, or in the least that voting should be altruistic? Why or why not? — Shawn
As an example of altruism with a concrete self-interested benefit, one need look no further than at unemployment benefits. The small minded will cavil and object, "Why should I pay for him (or her)?" — tim wood
At the core of democracy is the notion that we are in this together and together we can build a common wealth. — Banno
The myth of 'enlightened self-interest' is a curse that undermines that common wealth. It is the root of the ongoing failure of your democracy. — Banno
I would vote in favor of altruism, but I haven't seen it on the ballot. People vote in favor of their own interests (as they should) and they vote in favor of others' interests to the extent that they can relate to them. — Bitter Crank
Otherwise altruistic people can organize in a flash if a non-profit wants to open a group home in their neighborhood for released offenders, recovering drug addicts, sex offenders, or former mafioso. No, no, no! We need to protect women and children from these menaces! Keep the sons of bitches in prison! — Bitter Crank
What makes you say that voting should be based off of self-interest? — Shawn
So, what gives? Is this about dominating interests or political forces coercing people to vote in a certain way? — Shawn
Apparently someone might call this socialism. Isn't it? — Shawn
...the notion of enlightened self-interest originated in the past with the arrival of the marketplace. — Shawn
Why would anyone knowingly vote against their self interest? — Bitter Crank
The myth of 'enlightened self-interest' is a curse that undermines that common wealth. It is the root of the ongoing failure of your democracy. — Banno
how's Australia, or even that part of it where you live, doing on enlightened self-interest? — tim wood
Europe however, has remained steadfast in altruistic voting towards public goods and spending on the population to benefit from. — Shawn
So, would you agree with the notion that voting is altruistic, or in the least that voting should be altruistic? Why or why not? — Shawn
For the sake of others. — Banno
....taking money from someone is an act of theft — NOS4A2
I seek no membership in a social system that runs on exploitation. — NOS4A2
For the enlightened adult, altruism and self-interest merge, and often in concrete ways — tim wood
Why should I pay for him (or her) — tim wood
Ever noticed that folk who trot out the enlightened self-interest argument tend not to be nurses, teachers, paramedics, firemen... — Banno
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.