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Pastimes : Let's Talk About Our Feelings!!!

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To: jbe who wrote (86633)8/28/2000 1:01:48 AM
From: Neocon  Read Replies (1) of 108807
 
I do not worry overmuch about that. I am trying to articulate a moral principle and some consequences. One of the things I have learned on the threads is that it is too easy to take things for granted. Thus, I had assumed I had been clear enough, but apparently was mistaken. When I mention altruism I do not primarily mean sentiments of generosity or solidarity or sympathy, I mean the ethical doctrine first articulated by Auguste Comte that the moral worth of an action is determined by its selflessness. Nor am I much interested in the mechanics of learning to appreciate the situation of others, although I agree that one has to develop qualities of imagination and sympathy, because what is important is the underlying principle. Selfishness is inadequate because it is makes arbitrary demands on others. Altruism is insufficient because it allows others a "blank check" to make arbitrary demands on you, as if your destiny is irrelevant. The principle of respecting the dignity of the individual, balancing one's own interests against the various claims others may make on our time and resources, provides a guideline for one's behavior in society........
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