[ShepherdsDog]

No animosity towards the idea of socialism...just the implementation of certain interpretations of it.

[Zipperfish]

ShepherdsDog ShepherdsDog:

No animosity towards the idea of socialism...just the implementation of certain interpretations of it.

yeah, same.

[eureka]

Zipperfish Zipperfish:

eureka eureka:

ShepherdsDog ShepherdsDog:

Altruism as the basis of a society is ridiculous. Anyone who has observed human nature knows that we operate on the principle of WIIFM. We are hardwired to take care of me and mine, first and foremost....anyone who thinks otherwise well that's where the incredulity comes into play.

Such a cynic!

Altruism is a biological imperative that is equally as important to survival as is self interest. That was Darwin's dilemma with respect to his early theorising. He resolved it. Various species, including humans exhibit altruistic behaviour in sacrificing self for the survival of the group. That does not seem to extend to the larger population, though. Altruism and cooperation are elements without which no society will thrive. Right back as far as hpmp habilis caring behaviour has been observed.

Richard Dawkins pretty much laid that "sacrifice for the group" theory to rest. Cooperation can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, but survival of the group is not needed to explain this behaviour. See "The Selfish Gene."

If one accepts Dawkins on this! I don't and the behaviour is observable all around you.