rumitoid

The guy who falls on a grenade to save his comrades makes it seem pretty obvious that there are good people who do selfless acts. But it is not that simple. We do not what prompted that action. Questioning why may seem ghoulish. Yet his motives, as later discussed, may not have been altruistic. A martyr-complex, perhaps, or the suicide he has been contemplating. A misguided need to prove himself. Many possibilities.

So, is it possible for people to actually be selfless? It seems that in many cases where someone is being kind, they are actually performing in a manner that will benefit them. Either the recipient of the kindness will reciprocate, or the act of kindness itself is deemed commendable. Therefore, the one who offered the kindness still benefits personally from their action.

A child shares a toy in the same way. (Or does it?) Even with the heroic act of martyrdom, the possibility of knowing one could become a martyr may be uplifting. It seems that every "selfless" act, in some way, may benefit the one being "selfless".

In light of those observations, is selflessness truly possible? What does philosophy have to say about this question? Should we listen to what it has to say?

What does Christianity or Evolutionist have to say about it? Both, I feel, would disagree, for very different reasons. The inquiry has such wide ranging beliefs, it is not possible here to outline the question, such as the Christian belief that only “God is good,” ergo, that there are no "good people" per se, just those who have surrendered to spirit and grace. And what does that mean about altruism.

What do you think? I believe it is possible, though rare and highly unlikely.

archie bunker Loc: Texas

I think you are grasping at thoughts that drive you nuts.

rumitoid

Good insight, yes they do. The question of if altruism is real has haunted me for at least 2 decades.