Altruism in modern philosophy
Altruism is a phenomenon that has existed since ancient times. There have always been people for whom the happiness of a neighbor is more important than his own. Selflessness, disinterested acts, kindness, a tendency to empathy and conscientiousness are qualities that characterize an altruist.
Altruism as a concept, introduced by the French philosopher O. Comte as opposed to selfishness. The principle of "live for others" found its development in the XIX century, the framework of moral philosophy and included the following postulates:
- restriction of personal interests in favor of others;
- self-denial;
- actions should not infringe the rights and needs of people.
In the XX century altruism as a phenomenon is rethought by philosophers and is elevated to the category of "helping behavior", based on the ethics of caring. Philosophers and evolutionists agreed that altruism in moderate manifestation is a powerful and selection factor for the evolution and formation of mankind throughout its existence.
Altruism, as a phenomenon, carries within it the desire of man for harmony in himself and the attempts to "smooth out sharp angles" in this world through the manifestation of sympathy, kindness and compassion sometimes sacrifice in the name of the life of others. But manifested in individuality - altruism looks different, that's why among specialists there are several kinds of altruism:
- Altruism, derived from sympathy and sympathy, is a kindness and motivation for compassion. This kind of altruism is characteristic for kinship ties and in relationships with close people and friends. There is a need to help out of feelings of affection and love.
- Moral altruism. The central link of the "inner censor" of a person is conscience and moral attitudes, based on the inner conviction that this would be done by anyone in its place. The measure of the correctness of actions is a lack of guilt and peace of mind.
- Self-sacrifice is the extreme form of altruism, which has two aspects. Positive - superhuman virtue, during which there is a sacrifice than something valuable for a person, sometimes life. With a psychological deviation, such as self-hatred, such altruism can be characterized with a minus sign.
- Rational altruism is an attempt by a person to find a balance between his needs and not infringe on the needs of others. Altruistic actions are carefully considered. A rational altruist is a person who will not act to the detriment of himself and people.
The altruist and the egoist are opposing concepts, but with all the apparent opposite in one person, altruistic and selfishness is embedded. The golden mean is a reasonable combination of these qualities; otherwise it turns into extreme sacrifice or total egoism. Often this happens not because of internal impulses, but condemnation of others. An altruist can turn into an egoist if his good deeds are condemned by a society that sees hidden motives in the manifestations of help.