The Status of Altruism

摘要: i. In The Possibility of Altruism, Nagel argues that an awareness the benefit or harm action will cause to another can in itself, without our having assume agent possess any specific desires he might conceivably not possess, move perform desist from action. Hence his claim have demonstrated possibility altruism, acting simply out regard for welfare another. I want suggest it is possible argue something a little stronger: not, perhaps, necessity altruism but at rate more than its bare possibility. It may be stronger follows Nagel's own arguments, shall explore. focus upon question response distress others. necessary truth perceive another's as prima facie bad thing, other things being equal avoided prevented. This does mean necessarily moved prevent it. What where someone distress, they are unmoved some way-amused, excited, pleased whatever, we must either deny genuinely aware other's find, special character their view person particular world general, explanation why should take what evil amusing, exciting, gratifying, whatever.