Originally posted by robbie carrobieExistentially speaking, why did God create an irrational universe?
Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice. It is the view that humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe.
Which defines my world view to a T although I must point out that I am a Christian existentialist more like Kierkegaard ...[text shortened]... pposed to Satre who attempted to draw all possibilities form a position of 'consistent atheism.'
Originally posted by robbie carrobieIf you consider demanding that an 'altruistic gene' be found is 'reasoned and measured' then you are either ignorant of biology, or just plain lying. Probably both.
A rather cheap ad hominem in contrast to my reasoned and measured post on why I have rejected the arguments proffered so far.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieI think you may have misread my questions. You cited ants, is that right? Was that an example of a satisfactory "biological reason" for you? Or was that not a satisfactory reason for you? Read my questions and your responses again.
The one that I just cited. Are you stupid?
Originally posted by twhiteheadMaybe so, but if those respondents think that their god figure has somehow planted altruism in humans to varying degrees in some way other than through the mechanisms of nature or nurture, then they only have to say so and explain. The OP's false dichotomy could hardly be brandished to rule such an explanation off-topic... given that this is a spirituality forum. 🙂
Given that this is the spirituality forum, you have posed a false dichotomy in that some respondents clearly believe in a third option (God).
Originally posted by robbie carrobieI don't intend it as ad hom and don't think it is. Your position -- having not heard a satisfactory biological reason yet, only reflects the fact that biology is committed to rely on naturalistic methodologies appropriate to the study of life. You are demanding something of biology that it can't deliver while still following the commitment to its methodology. You are demanding a form of reductionism be applied (eg the altruism gene). Currently, altruism is fruitfully studied using the methodologies of sociology and psychology and some hybrids like sociobiology. After all, why stop at biology? Why not demand a satisfactory quantum mechanics explanation of altruism? We use the levels of reduction that are fruitful, while exploring around the edges between those levels.
A rather cheap ad hominem in contrast to my reasoned and measured post on why I have rejected the arguments proffered so far.
-Removed-Well then, perhaps a (better) working, real-world definition of Altruism is "when we act to promote someone else’s welfare, even at a risk or cost to ourselves" [http://tinyurl.com/onzaj3b] or "a way of thinking or behaving that shows you care about other people and their interests more than you care about yourself... or that has few or no tangible benefits for the person who behaves that way [http://tinyurl.com/z2hfkf4]. In other words, the definition need not be absolutist (as it were) and claim that there has to be no benefit to the person who is altruistic.
-Removed-The way the human brain works is complicated and often involves what are called 'rewards' for certain behaviours. That these 'rewards' exists as part of behaviour does not make all behaviour automatically selfish as you appear to be suggesting. Altruism as exhibited because you do so by instinct or because it make you feel good is still altruism. Altruism that you carry out because of religious obligations is still a form of altruism but in a slightly different class.
You post suggests that altruism must be unmotivated, not even motivated by a desire to help others. Why define it like that?
Originally posted by Ghost of a DukeIf, for you, it "usually occurs instinctively", does that mean you mostly put it down to 'nature'?
Altruism exists and is a beautiful thing. People have lost their lives through altruistic acts which gave no personal benefit. (For me, pure altruism usually occurs instinctively, like when an old lady falls over and you rush across to get her back on her feet).