Abstract
Without deeper analysis, altruism seems to be alive and present in our world today. However, most of what is called altruism is really mere cooperation. True altruism cannot be achieved unless you directly give up your life without receiving any benefit. Only by analyzing such acts and exploring the true motives of these acts, can we see that 1) biological influences (such as genetic relatedness) and 2) social components stemming from reciprocity are what determine these cooperative actions. We cooperate together for greater overall fitness of society. Through cooperation we can have a striving community that can grow together. Ultimately, even cooperative actions are selfish. True altruism is rare and reserved only for saints and saviors.
Recommended Citation
Villeda, Selvin
(2016)
"False Pretexts of Altruism and the Truth About Cooperation,"
Dialogue & Nexus: Vol. 3, Article 16.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/dialogue/vol3/iss1/16
Included in
Biology Commons, Christianity Commons, Philosophy of Science Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
