RE: virus: Altruism, Empathy, the Superorganism, and the Priso

Corey A. Cook (COOKCORE@esuvm.emporia.edu)
Sat, 19 Apr 97 23:35:19 CT

Dan H. wrote:
<SNIP James' description of altruism>

> Sorry, this isn't altruism.
> I cooperate all the time. I help my neighbors, I slow down at yellow
>lights, and I hold doors open for all people. I do all this with completely
>selfish motives.
> Anyone calls me altruistic is itchin' for a fight ; ).
> If there's an expectation of reward, or a sense of duty, then it isn't
>altruism . I agree with Reed; what we call altruistic behavior can just as
>easily be ascribed to other motives.

Are you saying that /everything/ that is labeled altruistic is
actually something else?
Does that mean that there is no such thing as the defined version
of altruism?
Does that mean that a new version of altruism or a new word,
which means altruism but takes into account our inherently
selfish nature will need to be coined?
How will we go about propogating this new definition or word?
Will the mass propogation of this new word have any effects
on our culture?
Will they be benificial or harmful?

Flip answers not extremely welcome.

Corey A. Cook
cookcore@esuvm.emporia.edu

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