----- Original Message ----- From: "Doug Pensinger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Killer Bs Discussion" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2003 9:13 PM Subject: Re: No conflicts between selfishness and morality?
> Jan Coffey wrote: > > --- Doug Pensinger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > >>Isn't this just an example of _enlightened_ self interest? Certainly > >>the guy could have saved his ass and gotten out right away, but as the > >>result of a little risk taking, he has raised his stature in the community. > >> > > > > > > Do you really think that is what he was thinking at the time? Just becouse > > that ~could have been~ his motivation doesn't mean that we can make any > > argumenats based on that possiblity in support of "enlightened self intrest". > > Our culture glorifies heroism, does it not? It's been ingrained upon us > from the time we are small children that to sacrifice one's own short > term self interest for the good of a larger group - especially helpless > individuals - is a good thing and will generally be rewarded. You are seriously arguing that "I'm going to be on TV if this looks good, so I'll risk death" is a more likely motive than "My God, those people will die if I don't do something, I better act." I know, Gautam risked his life to save another...do you want to ask him if it was a bid for glory? Dan M. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
