People say altruism is selfish. They’re not wrong | Abigail Marsh

Summary

This script explores the concept of altruism, challenging the notion that true selflessness doesn't exist because helping others brings personal joy. It discusses the 'Doctrine of Double Effect,' suggesting that the morality of an act is influenced by its intended outcome. Highlighting Matthieu Ricard's view, it asserts that finding joy in helping others is the essence of altruism, contrary to it being begrudging or selfish. The script also touches on how altruism can enhance mental well-being and the societal benefits of a community where helping others is a source of joy.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The concept of 'true altruism' is debated because people often experience joy from helping others, which some argue contradicts the idea of selflessness.
• 💓 Altruistic acts, such as donating a kidney to a stranger, can bring immense personal satisfaction and joy, suggesting that the helper also benefits.
• 📺 A 'Friends' episode humorously explores the idea that good deeds motivated by personal pleasure might be considered selfish.
• 🧐 There's a philosophical debate suggesting that for an act to be moral, it shouldn't also bring joy, reflecting a puritanical view on morality and pleasure.
• 🌟 The joy derived from altruism doesn't negate its moral value; instead, it's a sign of our social nature and the human capacity for empathy.
• 🔄 The 'Doctrine of Double Effect' in philosophy supports the idea that the morality of an act is judged by its intended outcome, not just its consequences.
• 🧘 Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk and neuroscientist, argues in his book 'Altruism' that finding joy in helping others is the essence of altruism.
• 🙅‍♂️ Grudging or reluctant giving is not considered altruistic, as it lacks the voluntary and joyful intent that defines true altruism.
• 🤝 When people help others voluntarily, it fosters a sense of gratitude and joy, strengthening social bonds and community.
• 🌐 Altruism is a fundamental aspect of being a social species, and the joy it brings is a key motivator for societal cohesion and support.

Q & A

What is the main argument against the existence of true altruism?

The main argument against true altruism is that people are never truly motivated to help others for their own sake because altruism paradoxically brings joy to the helper.

How do people who donate kidneys to strangers feel about their decision?

People who donate kidneys to strangers report that it's one of the best things they've done in their life and would do it again if they could, feeling glad every day that they made that choice.

What is the 'Doctrine of Double Effect' as mentioned in the script?

The 'Doctrine of Double Effect' is a philosophical concept that suggests the morality of an action is judged not only by its outcome but also by the intended outcome. It implies that if helping others is done with the intention of achieving happiness, it's not altruistic, but if happiness is a foreseeable outcome of the help provided, it doesn't negate the altruistic intent.

How does Matthieu Ricard define altruism in his book 'Altruism'?

Matthieu Ricard defines altruism as finding joy in helping others, stating that if helping others did not bring us joy, we wouldn't be altruistic.

What is the counterexample given for genuine altruism in the script?

The counterexample given is the person who gives begrudgingly, finding it a source of unhappiness and wishing they hadn't done it, which is contrasted with genuine altruism.

Why is it important for people to feel joy when helping others, according to the script?

Feeling joy when helping others is important because it indicates that we are a fundamentally social species, that joy is contagious, and that we are built to want to help those around us, which forms the basis of a good society.

What role does mental well-being play in one's ability to engage with and help others, as discussed in the script?

Mental well-being is crucial for overall well-being and can enable a person to become more involved with their community and help others. Conversely, being in a mental rut can make it difficult to engage with or help others.

What are some of the issues with traditional therapy that BetterHelp aims to address, as mentioned in the script?

BetterHelp aims to address issues such as finding the right therapist, fitting into their schedule, getting to their office, and the cost of therapy by offering a convenient, schedule-flexible, and affordable online therapy service.

How does the script suggest that helping others can enrich one's mental well-being?

The script suggests that helping others can be joyful and enjoyable, which has been shown to enrich mental well-being, thus creating a positive cycle of social engagement and personal satisfaction.

What is the significance of the 'Friends' episode mentioned in the script regarding altruism?

The 'Friends' episode is used to illustrate the debate over whether actions can be truly altruistic if they bring personal joy, highlighting the paradox that doing good can also be a source of happiness.

How does the script connect the joy of helping others to the concept of a good society?

The script connects the joy of helping others to the concept of a good society by suggesting that a society where people take joy in helping others is a desirable one, as it fosters social cohesion and mutual support.