Philosophy Now Forum

TimeSeeker wrote: ↑Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:44 pm Because we cannot solve all the problems at the same time - we have to decide WHICH needs and WHOSE needs come first.... Prioritisation. And it's a difficult pill to swallow when you are told that: "Your needs don't come first"

Yes, this will never play in New York where the popular motto is: "Me first. Me only. Me always." and the city was forced to establish a Department of Kindness.

If only the altruists were in charge of the world!

commonsense wrote: ↑Sun Oct 21, 2018 5:19 pm If only the altruists were in charge of the world!

Then we defund all scientific research to feed all the starving children of Africa.

Out of pragmatic necessity we really need a prioritization function. So that we can choose the lesser evils. Naturally - the system has to be cruel to some to be kind to others.

And if I said I knew what the 'right balance' is - I would be lying. Until we figure it out, it's much safer to think long-term than short-term.

If the altruists (crazy people) were in charge, we'd be in even deeper shit than we are now.

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"Me first. Me only. Me always."

The correct construct: Me and mine first, you second (mebbe...don't hold your breath).