Philosophy Now Forum

duszek - - Helping someone is always a good investment, it seems.
If a person cannot help you in return then perhaps at least he will not be a wretch who freaks out and starts shooting at people. Which is also some kind of a reward, far-fetched perhaps, but still a reward.

The reason altruism was invented in the first place (by evolution) is that it makes a better society, and a better society benefits all of its members: of course altruism is always a good investment.

Now, how do we convince the American right?

I can be. In fact, I believe it usually is. But that doesn't mean it always is.

The best decision you can make is not guaranteed to be the best possible decision in the world. Neither is any other decision by any other person. So? You still have to make some decision, so why not the best one you're capable of, by your own lights? No amount of what-iffing, calculating and second-guessing will improve on it.

It could also ne there for simplicity.