Are all human actions motivated by self interest?

[THANOS]

Self-Interest is based on personal advantage. Value is based on worth in usefulness or quality considered worthwhile or desirable. Now after seeing the meanings of these words. I still believe that in order to be able to judge what is worth in usefulness or what is desirable you must make that choice using Self-Interest.

 

[b11ngoo]

Originally posted by mtkirwan
Is every human action motivated by self-interest? Even when we help a complete stranger do we do it becuase it makes us feel good (and hence we are doing it out of self interest)? What do you think?

I believe we recognize the value of reward. And to live in a kingdom. We allow ourselves to be rewarded. So WWW and mates, friends, parents, can get understood by appealing to our desire to benefit the kingdom by letting it reward us.

Without reward. The genetic appeal is lost. In other words, the telomeres that provide beauty are not more beneficial than telomeres that provide cancer.
The benefit of a life giving kingdom is no different from a dying one.

Kingdoms must have a benefit mechanism that does not break. So the kingdom will not fall to cancer.

Yes we like reward. But not for ourselves alone. But to tell the cook his stew or pizza is tops. :)

 

[Dissident Dan]

One can value something that does not benefit oneself. For example, one may value world peace, even if that peace comes after one is dead.

Also, we should make the distinction between being partly motivated by self-interest and being wholly motivated by self-interest. We should also make the distinction between taking actions that one believes will benefits oneself and merely considering whether an action will harm oneself.

As I have seen things done and done things myself in a non-self-interested way, in that I have done things without thinking that they will benefit me and seen people do the same (according to the best of my judgment).

 

[Pseudonym]

Originally posted by b11ngoo
But to tell the cook his stew or pizza is tops. :)

Just what I was thinking about (not food): How can one consider actions of gratitude to be selfish?

 

[THANOS]

You may value world peace but unless your sole concern is trying hard to make it a reality then it isn't a high priority. Those who act and do their best at making world peace a reality are rewarded by contributing to the cause and not the success. They value peace and although you may not get it they are satisfied by at least trying to make it happen. The confusing part is that if you value making others happy over your own happiness then it is okay sacrifice your own happiness to bring happiness to others. Acting on self-interest does not necessarily mean acting on one's happiness. If you truly believe that contributing to world peace is what is the best thing to dedicate your life to, then you are acting on your self-interest. Like the old saying, "It's the thought that counts." They may have not brought world peace but bringing, new gun laws, ending slavery, working on medicine, anti-drug protesting or whatever you may see as a selfless act is good enough. Acting on self-interest does not have to mean being happy or being successful. If world peace or any other seemingly selfless act is valued and personal to you then you are acting for your own personal advantage.

 

[Dissident Dan]

Congratulations. You have completely changed the meaning of self-interest and in the process made debate meaningless.

 

[b11ngoo]

Originally posted by Dissident Dan
Congratulations. You have completely changed the meaning of self-interest and in the process made debate meaningless.

Using geometry. The point . Then the point of any discussion is not defined.

Then this discussion is going well. Do you like cream in your tea ? I do.