eowynn

My question is: Is it considered altruistic (or just helpful in general) if one spends one's life in the pursuit of knowledge? I have heard people say the only way to be truly helpful is to go out and help people directly (i.e. the Peace Corps). I have heard others say the only way to help humanity is to pursue the quest for knowledge (i.e. scientific research). Any opinions would be welcome

Eudaimonist

Before generosity comes productiveness. If you produce knowledge, this knowledge may then become a benefit to others.

Indifference

But what are you sacrificing? For altruism, a self sacrifice is needed to provide the benefit. Right?

Jobar

The time he spends which might have gone to sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, of course.

If you are able to do original research, I feel that is a far far better thing to do than to be an aid worker. Although the aid worker may help thousands, a researcher who finds a new antibiotic, for instance, may save millions.

Eudaimonist

It is ridiculous to think that self-sacrifice is necessary simply to provide a benefit to others. Win-win situations do exist, so we don't live in a pure zero-sum game. Fortunately for us.

Indifference

Sure, that's great. But if he does "find a new antibiotic", i'm sure he will be rewarded for his time that could have been spent having sex, doing drugs, or whatever. I'm sure a good bit of profit will be made from this new anti-b. Where is the altruism in that?

Altruism: behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species.

This was the definition I was using. I suppose you might also use this one...

Altruims: unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others.

...in which case your argument stands. We're victims of miscomunication.

Pitshade

As people have reasons for any action they take, selfless actions can only be actions which are not taken. For an act to be truely selfless, it can't benefit the person doing it in any way, shape or form. Money, fame etc... are what are most often thought of as rewards, but they aren't the only pay off. Affection, respect and usefulness are powerful motivators as well.

As for the original topic, it would have to depend on the specific discipline you are pursuing. working towards improving knowlege of health issues, the environment, food production and storage are generally considered helpful. To a lesser degree, any study which increases mankind's understanding of the planet or universe is beneficial though this can change depending on the uses put to the knowlege.

JL

I think a truly altruistic act is impossible anyway. How does one act against ones own will?