Is there really such thing as a "self-less" act?

[LesaneCrooks]

Think about it. When you give someone something with the intention of comitting a selfless act, you are in turn recieiving the gratification of the fact that you gave what you did to that particular person. Now this could be an act, a material posession, advice, etc. We all have reasons for helping people, and usually it is along the lines of "it makes me feel good". Now it would be going to far to say Mother Theresea was selfish because she recieved the gratification of knowing she helped many a soul. But besides by accdient, is it really possible to do a selfless act? If someone can give me an example, i'd be very curious to hear it.

[bisonbison]

Yes, there are selfless acts. But we only care about the difference between selfish and selfless cause we like to judge others or are afraid of being judged.

[five4suited]

Philosophy?

Also, no, as you said.

[LesaneCrooks]

Interesting, bison. Very interesting. Don't know what you mean though five4suited. Are you asking MY philosophy? Where did I say no? What?

[The Stranger]

nos1nos2?

[LesaneCrooks]

[ QUOTE ]
nos1nos2?

[/ QUOTE ]

???

[AJackson]

There are selfless acts, but they are rare. I do find charity done for selfish reasons annoying, but the bottom line is good is being done, so I don't get my panties in too much of a bind.

[Jeff W]

Science, Math, Philosophy Board

I think the answer is that human beings take actions that they perceive have the highest EV of all the available choices. Selflessness is an illusion.

Of course, since there's no way to prove or disprove my definition, I don't see much point discussing it further.

[LesaneCrooks]

Jeff W this is not neccessarily philosophy... its a question... not a way of life..

[Jeff W]

[ QUOTE ]
Jeff W this is not neccessarily philosophy... its a question... not a way of life..

[/ QUOTE ]

It's a philosophical question.