Discussion Night: Altruism and Egoism

Among the psychological forces influencing our decisions, two have been of especial interest in ethics: the first is altruism (concern for the wellbeing of others) and the second is egoism (concern for one's own wellbeing). Different systems of ethics tell us to balance these forces in different ways.

On the one hand, some philosophers tell us we should completely subordinate egoism to altruism: we should always prioritize the wellbeing of others over our own; we should not seek our own wellbeing except insofar as it helps others.

On the other hand, some philosophers tell us to do exactly the opposite: we should make our own wellbeing our primary concern, only helping others insofar as doing so helps us.

Between these two poles are various philosophies, each of which tells us to strike the balance somewhat differently.

As far as your conscious actions are concerned, according to what balance of altruism and egoism do you think people should act? For what reasons? Let's not agree to disagree, but rather advance our understanding by challenging each other.

-----------------------------------

This event is at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. (The Delian Club is not, however, a religious organization.) Please come in through the doors on Williams Street, the ones which directly face the opposing side of the street. Go up the ramp and turn to the right; we are in the Mayflower Room, which is next to the kitchenette.

As with all of the Delian Club's events, this is for autistic adults only.

Go to the door on William Street, the one half way down the church that faces the church directly. It has to the right of it a very small flashing green and red light.