http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8w81qOc5nU, and here,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa,
one can find inspiring evidence of her altruistic nature. For many, she embodied the Christian spirit. She appeared to have no interest in her own happiness but rather entirely concerned herself with the sick and poor. Lo and behold, there are also wells of evidence supporting a less glorious reality. Here,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WQ0i3nCx60,
and followed by the subsequent videos, a documentary reveals surprising information probably not know by most.
Another religious idol that many people use as support to the inherent altruism of religiousness, Mohandas Gandhi, exemplifies the effective application of social-justice theory.
Another religious idol that many people use as support to the inherent altruism of religiousness, Mohandas Gandhi, exemplifies the effective application of social-justice theory.
By devoting himself to issues of social and political inequality he eventually succeeded in freeing an entire country. He was a powerful religious figure. His philosophy of nonviolence is commonly associated with many religions' image of peacefulness. Interestingly, he was a man of multiple faiths and refused to ascribe to only one religion. In many ways, his life was spiritual but his lasting achievements were secular. For believers and nonbelievers alike, Gandhi provides a powerful source of inspiration for change, passion for good, and faith in humanity.
Philosopher Thomas Hobbes believed that humans were autonomous machines who were only looking out for themselves. He also believed that altruism was disguised egoism and that in the end the only reason why people do certain things for others is to get something back in return. I was wondering what is your opinion on his philosophy. Do you think people only do good things for others just to benefit themselves or is it for another reason? I know my question does not talk about religious altruism, but I felt it was some what relevant to your topic. Just wondering. Very interesting topic.
ReplyDeleteI believe Hobbes definitely had something there. Humans are egocentric, and frankly many people will never have the strength to break free from their selfishness. In my opinion, we are capable of selfless acts. Arguing that a person's action, in one way or another, was for himself brings us nowhere practical. Rather, selfless acts can be considered as one's commitment to a good. This good is apart from the individual, the action's intent is a means to an end which doesn't necessarily benefit the individual, but rather humanity as a whole, another individual, a living creature, a virtue of some sort, an idea or cause - the recipients are limitless, the notion is effecting a good outside of one's self.
ReplyDeleteI hope this answered your question, I went on a bit of a rant. Thanks for asking!
Rob
That Mother Theresa video really surprised me, it actually was pretty shocking to me. I have never heard of anything like this, and I've went to private school all my life. I guess I have more research to do about religious icons myself... lol
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